FREDRIC BARTLETT BYRNES

Fredric "Ric" Byrnes, beloved husband of Lynn Byrnes, died peacefully at VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, FL, on November 16, 2025, at the age of 79.

Ric was born on August 8, 1946, in Atlantic City, NJ, to parents William C. Byrnes, Jr. and Eleanor Greene Byrnes. He is survived by his wife Lynn; his children Christopher (Carly) and Kathryn; his grandchildren Abigail and Sean; and his nephew Michael Marshall (Alexandra). He is predeceased by his parents and his sister, Kimberly Marshall.

He attended Milford High School in Connecticut and was a proud graduate of Bucknell University (Class of 1968). He then lived in New York City while pursuing a master's degree at NYU. Ric lived and traveled extensively abroad during his early career as a management consultant, including cities in Switzerland and Spain, Rome, and an extended stay in London where he made many dear friends and welcomed his son. Upon returning to the States, Ric settled in South Orange, NJ, where he welcomed his daughter and raised his children with his first wife, Mary Jane Byrnes. He then moved to Carmel, NY, where he and Lynn lived for many years.

For more than 25 years, Ric was the owner and President of The Leahy Company, a successful insurance consultancy which is still in the family today. In 2020, Ric and Lynn moved to Vero Beach, FL, where they spent many happy days with friends and family and enjoyed retirement together.

Ric was a natural and gifted storyteller, who could command any room with his magnetic personality and incredible sense of humor. His wit, intelligence and wry humor were infectious. He could spin a yarn that had his audience in the palm of his hand and belly laughing while he spoke. Although Ric was not very handy around the house, he often joked about "working in his shop" and "making crafts" from used wine corks.

Ric enjoyed competitive swimming at Bucknell University, hiking, playing tennis, and most of all, spending quality time with loved ones. In more recent years he enjoyed following his grandchildren as they grew and succeeded on the stage (Abby) and the golf course (Sean). A generous philanthropist, Ric supported many charities including Visiting Nurse Association of Indian River County, Samaritan's Purse, and Make-a-Wish Foundation.

There will be a celebration of Ric's life in early 2026 in Vero Beach, FL. Details are forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to one of Ric's favorite charities.