Thomas Edward Byrne III

1933 - 2024

Thomas Edward Byrne, III

Hanover, NH - Thomas Edward Byrne III, known by all as Tom, passed away November 17, 2024. Tom spent the majority of his life in the beloved town of Hanover, New Hampshire. He devoted his professional life servicing the town of Hanover and Dartmouth College. Tom attended Dartmouth as a freshman in 1955 and Tuck Business School thereafter. After graduating Tuck, he moved to Valdosta, Georgia to complete his commitment to the Air Force and become a pilot. It was there he met, and later married Patricia Anne Strickland, who became his lifelong love. After a short stint at the telephone company in New York, he followed his heart back to Hanover to begin his impressive legacy including the projects and service to the community that clearly expressed the respect and love he had for both Hanover and Dartmouth College.

Tom Byrne spent all the 60 years of his adult life in or near Hanover. Many of those years were spent working for Dartmouth College at Hopkins center and later the Kiewitt computer center, for a stretch of almost 30 years. Shortly thereafter, Tom decided that from that point forward, he would give back to Hanover through an impressive list of service to the community. The town of Hanover honored Mr. Byrne twice for his tireless work effort and incredible results. In 1982 he was named "Citizen of the Year" by the Chamber of Commerce, primarily for his work with the youth of the community. In 2008, the Chamber again recognized him with a plaque on Main Street below the flagpole naming him "Citizen Extraordinaire of Hanover, New Hampshire," in recognition of sustained service to the community.

One of the many positions Tom Byrne held close to his heart was becoming the General Manager of the nonprofit Hanover Improvement Society (HIS), ultimately responsible for the operation of the Nugget Theater, Storrs Pond recreation area, and the James Campion skating rink. During Tom's 10 years with the Improvement Society many public works projects that benefit. The town of Hanover were generously supported by the society, including the construction of the Hanover parking garage, the expansions of the Howe Library, the establishment of the Hanover community center, the beautification of Main Street, and then continued modernization and expansion of their Nugget Theater.

Mr. Byrne loved working with the Hanover Recreation department as a member and Chair of the recreation committee, and longtime coach of youth basketball teams. He served as a Selectman appointed to complete the remainder of Jim Campion's term. Thomas was an active Rotarian, a LISTEN board member, and for 20 years, a member of the Board of Directors of the regional American Red Cross. He was a member of the team that planned Hanover's 250th birthday celebration, and along with Willy Black, a contributor to the Jack DeGange's commemorative history book of Hanover. His final service at Dartmouth included being a class officer of 1955 and alumni council member, founder and charter member of the Dartmouth Uniform Service Alumni (DUSA)- an alumni group dedicated to supporting veterans, undergraduates, and graduate students and alumni.

Despite this busy life, Tom's family was of the utmost importance to him and he devoted his spare time to his family. Survivors include his wife, Anne, his sons Rick, Ted, Rob and wife, and eight grandchildren.

The family of Tom Byrne will be having a Celebration of Life July 26, 12-5pm for those in the Hanover area and are welcome to join with children and family. The event will be at Storrs Pond Pavilion, next to the pool area to accommodate young kids. Food and drink to be provided. Please come join us to go back in time and share your interactions with my father Thomas Edward Byrne III.

Feel free to reach out to me, his son Rob, with any additional thoughts.

385-645-9113