Matthew P. Byrne

Matthew P. Byrne, of Norwell, formerly of Marshfield, Boston and Milton, passed to eternal life on October 18, 2017 at the age of 73 after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his brothers Philip M. Byrne of Palm Beach, FL and Boston, Dr. Denis P. Byrne of Winchester, MA and his wife Joan; Christopher J. Byrne of Hingham and his wife Patricia; and his partner Nancy Lester of Norwell, MA. Also survived by his nephew Brian D. Byrne of New York City and his wife Katherine; Darin D. Byrne of Winchester and his wife Molly; Michael P. Byrne of Hingham and his wife Kelly; Trevor D. Byrne of Hingham and his wife Hannah; his niece Lindsey B. Flynn and her husband Robert of Hingham; 10 grand nephews and grand nieces and many cousins. His wife Eileen predeceased him in 2002 and his sister Maureen in 1994. Matt was a graduate of Boston College High School and the College of the Holy Cross and received Master of Education from University of Massachusetts and Master of Business Administration from Boston University. He served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War and flew 46 missions as pilot of a KC-135 tanker. After his discharge in 1974 he spent several years in civilian life before rejoining the Air Force in 1980 for another four years. He served a total of 10 years on active duty receiving 2 Air Medals, Air Force Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and numerous other decorations. He then spent 15 years as a pilot with American Airlines, retiring in 2000. His focus in life was always on his family, his many friends and his faith. He enjoyed teaching CCD classes and coaching youth football. He was an avid athlete and excelled in football, sailing, road running, tennis and softball. He competed in the Boston Decathlon and ran 3 Boston Marathons. Matt was a kind, loving, gentle and generous man with a great sense of humor and a love of country. He will be missed by all. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrated in Saint Mary of the Hills Church, 29 St. Mary's Road, Milton, Monday October 23, at 10 a.m. Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, East Milton Square, Sunday 4 - 7 p.m. Interment Milton Cemetery. For information and directions, www.dolanfuneral.com