Anthony Joseph "Tony" BYRNE

Age 71, of St. Paul Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends on September 10, 2021. Preceded in death by parents Philip P. Byrne and Bernice M. Byrne. Survived by his sister Phyllis Reed and husband Pat; stepson Mark Kujala and wife Stephanie and his devoted partner, Jamnong Chabphimai, residing in Thailand.  Tony grew up in the Como area and attended Cretin High School graduate of '68.  He was an outstanding athlete in all sports, he played football, baseball and excelled at hockey for Cretin High School.  He then advanced on to play center for Boston College.  Because of Tony's big heart and his love for children and hockey, he went on to Coach for Tartan Youth Hockey & Park Senior High Hockey in Cottage Grove.  Tony served 28 years as a US Postal Service employee retiring as a manager.  Tony was a strong supporter of the AA Community and helped many addicts to recovery through his sobriety years and was an inspiration to many.  Tony loved spending his time in Thailand with his beloved partner Jamnong, her family and many great friends. He was proud to be donating his remains to the U of M Anatomy Bequest Program.We would like to extend a special thank you to Allina Hospice, Jodi, Brett, Christie and Sandy for your kind and compassionate care for Tony as well as the emotional support you gave. Through laughter, tears and Allina by our side we thanked God for Tony and the good life he had and together we sent him to heaven. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 26, 2021, from 1:00pm – 4:00pm, with a time of sharing at 2:00pm, at Vannelli's by the Lake, 55 Lake Street South, Forest Lake, MN.  Memorials will be donated to Alcoholics Anonymous.