Charles P. Byrnes

PEABODY — Charles P. Byrnes, 83, of Peabody, formerly of Beverly, died unexpectedly Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008 in the Lahey Northshore, Peabody. He was the husband of Irene (Beaulieu) Byrnes, with whom he shared 63 years of marriage.

Born in Beverly, the son of the late Michael and Gertrude (Longafee) Byrnes, he was a lifelong resident of Beverly before moving to Peabody three years ago.

After graduating from high school, Charlie enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was stationed in Hawaii where he repaired the war-damaged aircraft and vessels for the Navy. He was honorably discharged in November, 1945.

He was a sheet metal worker by trade for many years and was involved with the construction of heat shields. While employed at Avco in Wilmington, he built heat shields for the frame for Apollo's Mission to the Moon.

Upon retirement, he lived a life of leisure, traveling, golfing, sculpting wood, boating, fishing, bowling and dancing. He also spent much time in the sun and at the beach. He has a green thumb and was an avid gardener.

Charlie's greatest joy came from the quality time he spent with his family and especially his involvement with his granddaughters and great-granddaughter's activities.

Surviving him in addition to his wife is a son, Phillip Byrnes and his wife Lugeane of Windham, N.H.; two daughters, Maureen Berkowitz of Washington, and Diane McCulloch and her husband Stephen of Beverly; a sister, Agnes Kirk of Salem; five granddaughters, Jenelle and Jacqueline Byrnes, Nicole O'Leary, Courtney Melei and Ashley McCulloch; two great-granddaughters, MacKenzie O'Leary and Olivia Melei; and several nieces and nephews. He also was the brother of the late Dorothy Byrnes.

ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral will be held in the David H. Gonet Funeral Home, 22 Hawthorne Blvd., Salem, on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Visiting hours will also be on Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. prior to his funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Diabetes Association, 330 Congress St., 5th Fl., Boston, MA 02210. Parking available in the church parking lot across the street from the funeral home.