Stephen T. Byrne

Stephen Thomas Byrne, of Reno, NV, passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, after a short illness. He was born in Leicester, England on September 19, 1959, the first child of Joseph and Mary Byrne, originally from Dublin. The family came to the United States in 1965; they lived on Quaker Lane in West Hartford, Connecticut and then moved to Bristol, CT, eventually becoming naturalized U.S. citizens.

Stephen attended St. Joseph School and graduated from Bristol Central High School. He was always honest and hard-working. He spent many years in the food services industry, where his work colleagues gave him the nickname "Flash," because he got things done so quickly and efficiently. He was proud of his work and made lifelong friends along the way. Steve made a new start when he moved out to Nevada, where he eventually retired some years ago.

Steve was devoted to his friends; he was loved by his family and by many of those who knew him well. Stephen was a gentle soul who never hurt anyone or even had a bad word to say about others. He was always the one to find a positive word or outlook to brighten your day. Fiercely independent, he never asked for anything, but remained committed to his family, friends and responsibilities.

He liked watching sports, especially football. He always loved rooting for the underdog. Though he was able to enjoy one last Super Bowl, we're sorry it wasn't a better one for you, Steve. He was a lifelong cat lover. As we browse through photos of Steve, many include his beloved pets. From Squeaky way back in Bristol to Spunky in Reno, his cats always held a special place in his heart.

Stephen was with his longtime friend and roommate Joe when he passed.

His friends and family will remember Stephen as caring, kind and generous. He is survived by his sisters, Audrey Fern (and Brian) and Laura Maraj (and Nero) of Farmington, CT, his brother, Paul Byrne (and Marina) of Stratford, CT, along with his nephews and nieces, Sean, Derek and Alison Fern, Jillian and Ryan Maraj, and Stella and Gemma Byrne. He was predeceased by his brother Brendan and will join him along with their loving parents in heaven. The family would also like to recognize Stephen's closest friend and caregiver, Joseph Miranda. We appreciate all the immense support and care you provided him to the end, along with the caring Gentiva Hospice nurses.

Stephen will be laid to rest at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Bristol on Wednesday, February 25th at 12:30 pm. All friends are invited to attend. One positive aspect of our brother's passing is that he was an organ donor, and through his death, he has helped others live fuller lives. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation of any amount to Donate Life America, a national organization that educates, inspires and activates the public to become organ donors. www.donatelife.net