Walter E. Byrne

1938 - 2025

Byrne, Walter E.
SPEIGLETOWN - Walter E. Byrne, 87, of Speigletown passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the Albany Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. Walter was born on January 6, 1938, the son of John and Frances X. Byrne, in Troy, N.Y. He was the only brother of John "Jack" Byrne.
He began his career as a paperboy and loved being a Boy Scout. He met the love of his life, Gail Hunter, in Lansingburgh in 1955. They dated for four years through college and married on June 27, 1959, they just celebrated 65 years of a wonderful marriage.
Walter graduated from LaSalle Institute in 1955 and Albany College of Pharmacy in 1959. His first job was at Lindsay's Drug Store in Lansingburgh, then he became the Director of Pharmacy at the Samaritan Hospital for 36 years. After retiring from Samaritan, he decided to continue to practice pharmacy at Express Scripts, in Troy, for another 14 years.
Walter and Gail were blessed with three wonderful children, Timothy (Jamie), Daniel (Maureen) and Kelly Coccetti (Stephen); eight grandchildren, Kiers Coccetti Crodelle, Quin Coccetti, Casey Byrne, Amy Byrne, Shannon Byrne, Kyle Byrne, Jenna Horton and the late Jeremy Gregor.
Walter was also blessed with 10 great-grandchildren.
Walt loved swimming, scuba diving, and golf, but most of all, spending time with family. He also loved spending the month of March in Myrtle Beach, with a large group of wonderful friends.
Walter was a founding member of St. Bonaventure's Church, having Mass in backyards, Hilltop Bowling Alley and Speigletown Fire House. He was a Parish Council member, lector and member of the choir. He was active for many years in the Speigletown Fire Company, reaching Captain status. He was the first volunteer fireman to start teaching CPR to other fireman to become certified, along with Gene Cross.
He was also a member of the Lions Club and the Waterford Emergency Scuba Diving Rescue Team.
Friends are invited and may call on Monday, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Transfiguration Church (St. Bonaventure's), 50 Hillview Dr., in Speigletown. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, at 10 a.m. Interment will be in St. John's Cemetery, in Troy.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lansingburgh Boy's & Girls Club, 501 4th Ave., Troy, N.Y. 12182 or to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Transfiguration Church.
For online condolences, please visit mcdonaldandsonfuneralhome.com