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John Byrnes Obituary
John was one of the strongest gentlemen around, and will lovingly be remembered for his unyielding love and devotion to his family.
John is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy of 22 years; two brothers, Joseph Byrnes and William Lill; five daughters, Sarah, Charnel, Coriana, Kendra, and Kelsey Byrnes of Webster; two sons, J. Christopher Byrnes, Jr. of Idaho Springs, CO. and Steven M. Byrnes and his wife Kari of Portland, ME. He also leaves six grandchildren, Vanessa, Amanda, Heather, and Jessica Rich, Sean and Ryan Byrnes; and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother Robert Byrnes.
John was born in Natick, MA. son of Joseph and Eileen (Lamond) Byrnes. He graduated from Newton Technical HS and Northeastern University in 1966. Prior to working as an Electronics Instructor for 34 years at Blackstone Valley Regional Technical High School in Upton, MA., he was employed at Sylvania Electronics in Waltham, MA., Marchetti Associates in Natick, MA., AVCO/Crosley Electronics Research Laboratories, Boston, MA., Water Associates of Framingham, MA., and served as an Air Force trainer for GTE in Missawa, Japan.
Mr.Byrnes was the founder of Educational Associates in Webster,MA. He was also a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1962.
Mr. Byrnes received awards for Teacher of the Year by the Massachusetts Department of Education, Outstanding Achievement in vocational technical education, US Department of Education Secretary Award for outstanding electronics program, the NASA Teacher in Space Program recognition, nomination for Readers Digest American Heroes in Education, National Science Teachers Award for Excellence, the WPI Charles O. Thompson Award for Outstanding Teacher, and Instructor for gold medal winner of Team USA Technology competition in Kansas City, MO.
John was a former member New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Assabet Valley Regional Vocational Technical School Committee, President of Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High SchoolTeachers Association., AG Scott Harshbarger's Educational Committee, and a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. John's strong community involvement included Northboro Civil Action Team, Northboro Farm, Little League, and Babe Ruth, basketball coach for CYC.
John was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan. His greatest pleasure in life was spending time with his family, sharing the accomplishments of his students over 34 years, and following his stocks in the market.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Thursday, November 13, 2008 from 5 to 8 P.M. at the Robert J. Miller Funeral Home and Lake Chapel, 366 School St., Webster. The Funeral will be Friday, November 14, 2008 with a Mass at 10:00 A.M. in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 16 East Main St., Webster. Burial will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery.
Flowers may be sent or memorial contributions may be made in John's Memory to: The Byrnes Children Scholarship Fund, C/O Sovereign Bank, 206 Main St., Webster, MA. 01570.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Byrnes
Bob
February 16, 2021
I was fortunate to have John as an instructor at bvrts from 1966-70.
Not a week goes by without my relying on a skill he taught me. A real role model
Larry Lavallee
December 4, 2008
You have our deepest sympathy in this very difficult time. John and I were good friends when we worked together at Marchetti Assoc. and at Sylvania/GTE. In 1965, John was the godfather for my daughter. We lost touch after he went into teaching, but reconnected last year at a luncheon for the GTE group that we worked with. John was a wonderful human being. He will be sorely missed.
John F. Healey
November 21, 2008
To the Byrnes Family,
I’m writing to express my condolence at John’s passing away.
I knew John only through the work we did during the effort to secure a new Middle School here in Webster. My understanding is that John and Nancy were among the earliest leaders of that effort. His dedication to that project was “merely” one of the more recent accomplishments and contributions he made to improve the quality of public education.
For his family, may the sting of this loss subside with time.
On a personal level, he seemed to me to be warm, inclusive, soft-spoken and courageous. I feel so fortunate and happy to have known him.
Arthur & Lorraine DelPrete
November 18, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Arthur & Lorraine DelPrete
November 17, 2008
Our deepest sympathies to John's family. Sincerely,
Bob McKinstry
November 14, 2008
To the Byrnes family; I am deeply saddened to hear of John's passing. I was a student of his at VT 68-72. John was a great instructor who gave me many tools to be successful in work and in life. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. John will be missed.
Jerry Lovejoy
November 14, 2008
Sincere sympathies to the family. Mr. Byrnes was one of the finest taechers I ever had when he began our first Electronics class at Blackstone Valley. I met him years later and he was just as warm and kind as I remembered.
Karla Brown
November 13, 2008
Nancy and family, Please accept my sincere sympathy in the passing of your husband and father. May you find strength and comfort knowing your loved one is now in the arms of the Lord. May He give you strength during this very difficult time. Very Sincerely, Karla Brown
Valerie Martel
November 13, 2008
Dear Nancy and Girls,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I know that the soul of such a wonderful person, as John, is most definitely now seated peacefully next to God. All my prayers are with your family in this time of sorrow and I send all my love.
Always,
Renee,Dennis,Kevin,Brandon Cummigns
November 13, 2008
To the Brynes Family,We are so sorry for the loss of your dear husband and father. In time you will have comfort in his memories and knowing his love for you all.
The Budneys
November 13, 2008
My Dear Byrnes Family,
We feel greatly blessed in having known John and all that he has tried to accomplish in his life. He was advocate for education and community improvement. A role model for many people to follow. We have missed seeing and talking with John over the last few months and wish you our deepest sympathy.
Know that John was very proud of all you, and loved you very much. He often would speak to me about how you all were doing, and some of the struggles you would have. He would tell me how happy and proud that you worked thru it and made the right decision.
You will all be in our prayers during this time and hope that you can find peace in time. We will miss John greatly.
With deepest sympathy,
Chris, Michelle, Christan, Lauren, Ashlyn and Olivia Budney
Bridgette
November 13, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I had Mr Byrnes as a teacher and he was a great educator who helped many students become who they are today. Thank You Mr Byrnes.
Michelle Daveau
November 13, 2008
To the Byrnes Family, We are deeply sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers and thoughts. The Daveau Family
Shawn Gauvin
November 13, 2008
To the Byrnes Family:
I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss
I wanted to let you know that you have my sympathy, and my heart is truly saddened.
Mr. Byrnes was not only an instructor of mine at Blackston Valley Tech (1996-2000), but he was also a great mentor and taught me many life lessons. Some of my greatest memories of him were his stories, especially those of when he lived in Japan. Some how, he would relate his story to our class and make time fly by. He was a great man and will always have a special place in my memories.
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your husband and farther.
Sincerely,
Marlene Sweeney
November 13, 2008
To Nancy and Girls,
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of John. May you find peace in your time of sorrow.
Much Love,
Marlene, Ashley and Kayla Sweeney
Christina and Roland Donovan
November 13, 2008
Nancy and family: We are so sorry for your loss of a wonderful husband and father. We will always remember him at our family picnics. John is in God's hands now and free from all pain.
Herbie & Jody Haase
November 13, 2008
We never did meet John but we had the honor of meeting some of his children and gratefully we share a friendship with his son Stephen and daughter in law Kari. We imagine John must have been a very proud father. Our sincere sympathy and thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved John Byrnes.
LuAnne, Paul & Gabbie Bernier
November 13, 2008
Dear Nancy and Daughters,
Our thoughts and Prayers are with all of you during this most difficult time.
Michael Landry
November 13, 2008
I am sorry to hear of Mr Byrnes passing. My toughts are with the family. He was my favorite electronics teacher at Blackstone Valley Tech (Class of 1979). He always gave sound advice about class work and life.
kylie white
November 12, 2008
We are sorry to hear of the loss of your father, husband and a great man.
Roland Paquette
November 12, 2008
My deepest condolences to the Byrnes family. I worked with John at Sylvania/GTE and was a colleague of his at Assabet Valley Regional Vocational High School teaching Electronics as well as a neighbor in Northboro, MA. Our prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Bonnie and Mike Landry
November 12, 2008
Dear Nancy and Family:
We are so sorry for the loss of your husband and Dad-he was a very courageous and strong man. May you have many great memories and know that he will always be watching over you. Nancy, if there is anything I can do-please know I am here for you.
~ The Landry Family
Debbie & Ken Raymond
November 12, 2008
Nancy and daughters, I never saw John without a smile on his face. I saw your family daily from across the street and often commented on what a wonderful family you have. John was so proud of all of you. You were truly blessed with a wonderful husband & dad. Our prayers are with all of you.
Karen Byrnes Meisberger
November 12, 2008
Dear Nancy & Girls,
Our deepest condolences at the loss of Uncle John. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Elizabeth Horan
November 12, 2008
To the Byrnes family: My sympathies to you at the loss of John. I had many long conversations with him over the years as he took his walks down Highland Street (even long after the girls were out of their strollers). He was a gifted well versed conversationalist and I enjoyed seeing him come down the street and speaking with him. May you find comfort and peace in each other at this time.
2006 with Nephew Tim & Niece Karen
November 12, 2008
2006 Visit to Byrnes family in East Windsor, NJ
November 12, 2008
2006 With Nancy, daughters, nieces & nephews in NJ
November 12, 2008
JoAnn Tower
November 12, 2008
To the Byrne Family,
Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your Husband and Father. It was so evident at the Soccer Games how truly dedicated and proud he was of his children. Our thoughts are with all of you.
Diane Heckler
November 12, 2008
To all of you - John was so blessed to have such a loving & beautiful family. It always showed. We first knew your family thru our daughter, Emily, and then when her dad, Hans, was Charnel's soccer coach. Treasure all your memories & pictures. God bless you all at this difficult time and always.
Hans, Diane, Gretchen, Emily & Catherine - Heckler
Robert Byrnes Jr.
November 12, 2008
Nancy and family,
You have my sincere condolences at this time. Uncle John was a very kind person that I have fond childhood memories of. I wish you all the best.
eric chaffee
November 12, 2008
To the Byrnes Family,
i'm so very sorry for your loss,my daughters always felt at home in your home.
Jeff Cambridge & family
November 12, 2008
Dear Nancy & family,
Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the love of your family and friends and in the wonderful memories of John as a loving husband, devoted father, and caring grandfather.
With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Patty Kozicz
November 12, 2008
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad & husband. I knew him to be a great man from being there when Alyssa was there. I wish you great memories of him and know he is always in your life and watching over you.
Jeff, Leslie, Kate and Meg Baker
November 12, 2008
To the Byrnes Family-
Our hearts are with you in this time of grieving. John has had an amazing life and we feel blessed to have known him.
We saw how much he loved all of you from his excitement when telling us stories of camping and the spark of pride in his eyes when watching the girls achieve academically and in sports.
Jeff will miss the "hot stock" tips and we will all miss John's gentle presence, great sense of humor, passion for education and vast knowledge. May he rest in peace and may his relief bring you comfort.
With Deepest Sympathy-
Scott Yacino
November 12, 2008
Mr. Byrnes taught me a lot about electronics, but a lot more about life during the four years I knew him. He was a truly gifted teacher who took his job seriously and changed the world by helping to mold and shape his students. The world is a better place because he was here, and today has lost a little of its luster because he is gone. I will always remeber the few chats we had after I left school and we crossed paths. I am so sorry that he is gone, please accept my sincere condolences.
Kari Byrnes
November 12, 2008
Sarah, Charnel, Corianna, Kelsey, Kendra, Steven and Chris; all of you meant everything to your Dad. His greatest treasure was seeing and knowing that his kids were happy. You all made him very proud to be your father.
I love you all.
Kari Ramsdell Byrnes
Kevin Lucciarini
November 12, 2008
I had the pleasure of being educated by Mr. Byrnes from 82-86. He was a good man and educator.
My condolences to his family.
joe fagan
November 12, 2008
John was a very special person and a faithful friend. Anyone who came in contact with John walked away a better person. We all loved you and will miss you, John. May you rejoice in the arms of our Savior.
Joe and Lorraine Fagan
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