Obituary of Joseph C. Byrne

Joseph Conleth Byrne, a resident of the Rocky Hill Veterans’ Home, passed peacefully with his children by his side on November 25, 2015. Born in Newtown, Rathangan, County Kildare, Ireland, to the late Patrick and Margaret (Hoar) Byrne, Joe now joins his late and loving wife Anna Mae McCann Byrne who sadly passed on August 11th, 1982. He joins his predeceased siblings including his brothers, Seamus, Sean, P.J., Maurice and Tommy, and sisters, Cissie, Eileen, Norah and Nuala. Joe immigrated to the United States in 1955, settling in Hartford, Connecticut. He volunteered for service in the United States Army Airborne in 1958. He served 82 Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, NC. He was deployed in the Western Pacific Island of Okinawa. In addition to being a paratrooper with numerous jumps, he was selected to be a rigger for his battalion. He received honorable discharge in 1961. Following his service time, Joe was employed by the United States Postal Service in Hartford, Connecticut for nearly 26 years, until his retirement. He also worked at Mercer and Dunbar as a mechanic. Joe’s love of the outdoors and his strong work ethic had employed him as a landscaper. As Joe’s young family grew, he was a supporter of Catholic school education, serving as a member of the PTO at St. Augustine’s School in Hartford. He was a faith filled person and felt blessed to send his children to Corpus Christi in Wethersfield and on to South Catholic High School in Hartford. His children kept him busy with their sporting events, Irish step dancing, and trips to the beach and visiting with their aunts, uncles and cousins. During his life, he was a member of the Irish American Home, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. His pride in his Irish heritage led him to volunteer on numerous committees for events like Irish dance Feis’s, Gaelic Football and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Hartford. He shared with his children and grandchildren his true love of Irish music and dance. All who knew Joe knew that he always had coins and candy in his pockets to share. Joe was an avid supporter of his all-time favorite team the Boston Red Sox. He wore his 2004 Championship jacket everywhere and with great pride. Joe is survived by his five children, Annmarie Pinone, her husband John and their children Elizabeth, John, Catherine and Luke of Glastonbury, Kathy Mulquin, her husband Michael and their son Max of Fairfield. Karen Byrne, her partner Christine Elliott of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, Colleen Jinks, her husband Kevin and their daughter Courtney of Wethersfield and Joseph Byrne his only son of Wethersfield. He also leaves behind one brother, Michael Byrne, his wife Maureen of Vernon, two sisters, Mary Hollay, her husband Joseph of Ellington, and Cecilia Carroll of Rathangan, County Kildare, Ireland. Being a member of a family of thirteen children, Joe’s large extended family reaches across the United States and abroad. Joe’s fun loving and friendly ways have touched so many lives, he will be missed by his vast group of friends far and near. Having happily spent the latter part of his life as a resident in Veterans Administration facilities, he was never shy a bingo or card playing partner. His children have witnessed firsthand the true brotherhood that bonds the veterans together. He was an avid reader, king of the crossword puzzles, spent many hours watching old Western movies, and never missed a Red Sox game. The Byrne family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford especially on the Congestive Heart Failure Unit. We are forever grateful to the entire staff and personnel at the Veterans Administration Home in Rocky Hill. From the security guards greeting you at the gates to the doctors, nurses, health aides, recreation, dietary staff and clergy. Their endless dedication and devotion to our dad was immeasurable. Each displayed true kindness and compassion with warm smiles and friendly ways. They are to be commended. Joe’s fighting Irish spirit was with him ‘til the end. Until we meet again May the good Lord hold you in the palm of his hand. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday December 2nd, at 10 am. in Saint Augustine Church, 55 Hopewell, Rd, South Glastonbury, CT. Burial will follow at the Mount St. Benedict Cemetery with full military honors. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, December 1st at the Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Avenue, Glastonbury, from 4–8 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Rocky Hill Department of Veteran Affairs, CC: Health Services at 287 West St Rocky Hill, CT 06067. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.mulryanfh.com.