Obituary published on Legacy.com by Edwards Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. - Milford on May 30, 2025.
Allan Byrne Sr. Obituary
Allan J. Byrne Sr., 87, of Jensen Beach, Florida, and formerly of Mendon, Massachusetts, passed away on Monday, May 26, 2025, at HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce, following a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of the late Suzanne M. (Boyd) Byrne, who predeceased him in 2010.
A lifelong educator and respected community leader, AlByrne dedicated his life to the growth and development of others. From his early days as a physical education teacher to his many years serving as a coach, counselor, and school administrator, Al's career reflected an unwavering commitment to excellence and service. His influence reached far beyond the classroom-he enriched the lives of countless students, colleagues, and community members through his compassion, leadership, and integrity.
Al was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, the son of the late James Thomas Byrne and Myrtle (Bunnell) Byrne. He graduated from Springfield Technical High School and went on to earn both his bachelor's degree (1958) and Master of Education in Guidance and Personnel Services (1959) from Springfield College.
His professional journey began in New York, where he worked as a physical education teacher. He later joined Nipmuc Regional High School in Massachusetts, where he served in various roles over the years, including Physical Education Teacher, Athletic Director, Coach, Guidance Counselor, Assistant Principal, and ultimately, Acting Principal. In addition to his work in education, Al also served as Director of the Mendon Town Beach for many years.Al was the co-owner of Just A Wee Day in Mendonwith his wife Sue.
Al's roots extended from Springfield to Upton, before settling in Mendon in 1966, where he remained a resident until 2014. After retirement, he relocated to Hillsboro Beach and later Jensen Beach, Florida.
During his years in Mendon, Al was a devoted parishioner of the former St. Michael's Church, where he served as a lector. He founded the Biddy Basketball League, which grew into the Nipmuc Youth Basketball Program, and he initiated a Men's Adult Physical Education program for residents. In his younger years, he was also active in the Mendon Softball League.
A passionate sports enthusiast, Al proudly supported the New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, and Boston Bruins. He was affectionately known as a "beach bum," finding great joy at South Beach on Martha's Vineyard or relaxing poolside at his Florida home. Above all, his greatest joy came from spending time with his family-his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom he cherished deeply.
Al is survived by his four children: Debra S. Olson and her husband Robert of Sutton MA, Al J. Byrne Jr. and his wife Dannielle of Mendon MA, Jody Figuerido and her husband Thomas of Uxbridge MA and Elizabeth M. Doubrava and her husband Jeff of Marion MA; his companion: Alexis Wakefield of Jensen Beach FL; his 11 grandchildren; Nicolaus Wilson and his wife Caroline of Wellesley Hills MA, Blake Wilson and his wife Brianna of Watertown MA, Adam Figuerido of Uxbridge MA, Jessica Figuerido Alcorn of Millville MA, Andrew Doubrava and his wife Tiffani Ortiz of Nashville TN, Nigel Byrne and his fiancé Brittany Oldenberg of Worcester MA, Guinivere Rebello and her husband Adam of Mendon MA, Alexander Doubrava and his wife Renata of Rochester MA, Eric Brodeur and his wife Aleena of Mendon MA, Trevor Byrne and his fiancé Molly Leland of Hopedale MA and Aidyn Byrne of Mendon MA. He is also survived by his 14 great grandchildren: Arianna Figuerido of Millville MA, Jack Wilson of Wellesley Hills MA, Isabella Doubrava of Rochester MA, Dylan Rebello of Mendon MA, Amelia Wilson of Watertown MA, Rylee Alcorn of Millville MA, Alexander Doubrava of Rochester MA, Oliver Wilson of Wellesley Hills MA, Layla Alcorn of Millville Ma, McKenna Byrne of Worcester MA, Cole Rebello of Mendon MA, Rory Wilson of Watertown MA, Mack Byrne of Hopedale MA and Rowan Byrne of Worcester MA; also several nieces & nephews. Al was the brother of the late Russell Brown and the late Barbara Wood.
His funeral will be held on Wednesday, June 4th, at 9:00 a.m. from Edwards Memorial Funeral Home, 44 Congress Street,
Milford, MA, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish, 151 Mendon Street, Upton, MA. Burial will follow in Swan Dale Cemetery in Mendon, MA. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, June 3rd, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Edwards Memorial Funeral Home.
In this time of remembrance, we honor the legacy of Allan J. Byrne Sr., a man whose contributions to his community, family, and profession will never be forgotten. Let us gather to celebrate his life and cherish the memories he has left behind.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the
Alzheimer's Association, 100 North Pkwy, Worcester, MA 01605, or to
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501
St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
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