Thomas Michael Byrne

1939 - 2025

Thomas Michael Byrne

April 26, 1939 - August 4, 2025

Modesto, California - Thomas Byrne passed away on August 4, 2025, at the age of 87. Tom was born in Oakland to Mary Loughery Byrne and Thomas Paul Byrne. He fondly remembered All Saints Elementary School, and Bishop O'Dowd High School. He was part of the "Byrne brothers". He made lifelong friends at Oakland Junior College. Tom then entered the United States Forest Service, beginning at the Groveland, CA station. He met his wife Judy, while there. They married in Twain Harte in 1966. From there, the family moved to Modesto, CA and had two sons, Sean and Shamus. Their families are important to us, including Sean and Rosy, grandson Andres and his family; Shamus, Vanessa and Shamus Junior.

In 1978, Tom became the founding Executive Director for United Cerebral Palsy in Stanislaus County. In 1984, he moved on to the national staff of United Cerebral Palsy Associations, Inc., where he worked in many areas of the country. In 1992, he began providing counsel through his own firm, Development Directions, to organizations. He also worked with Fund Development Associates out of Sacramento, CA with William Schopfer, the firm's owner. In 1998, his main focus turned toward raising the initial major funds for the new St. Stanislaus church. We became friends with many people in the parish over the time of the project.

Grandchildren and great grandchildren took on a special place - Shamus Jr., Iris and now Eli were on his mind. Tom is predeceased by his son Shamus (2013) and his brothers Jim (2010) and Kevin (2012).

He is survived by his wife Judy, and their son, Sean, Sean's wife, Rosario, and their son and daughter-in-law, Andres and Paris.

Tom loved people. He enjoyed his neighbors and loved keeping up our family garden. He had some good, close friends. Thanks for your friendship. You couldn't tell he was retired. He would say, "I'm just on a break from work!" Type A personalities never stop.

On Monday, August 11, 2025, from 5-7 p.m., there will be a visitation at Salas Brothers Funeral Chapel at 419 Scenic Drive, Modesto, CA 95350 (209-523-5646). On Tuesday, August 12, at 12 noon, there a private, graveside service at St. Stanislaus Cemetery (1141 Scenic Drive, Modesto, CA 95350).

On Monday, August 18th, at 10 a.m. there will be a Memorial Mass at the old St. Stanislaus Church (709 J Street, Modesto, CA 95354). It will be followed by a Celebration of Life reception, in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the United Cerebral Palsy Organization (209-577-2122), or the Sisters of the Cross of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (209-526-3525), or a favorite charity of your own.