Obituary of John P. Byrnes

John P. “Jack” Byrnes, 89, a nearly lifelong Brooklyn resident who moved to Belle Harbor in recent years, passed away Feb. 4, 2015 after a short illness. Jack was born June 18, 1925 in Brooklyn, N.Y. He was the son of Margaret “Maggie” Murphy and Christopher “Dewey” Byrnes. He grew up near the old Brooklyn Navy Yard. He attended Sacred Heart School and Boys High School. A childhood gift of a camera developed into a passion for photography. Early trips to the movies, some while skipping school, led to a lifelong love of the Marx Brothers and W.C. Fields. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII, proudly serving in the Pacific and received numerous medals including the Purple Heart. His war experiences filled him with a deep sense of gratitude for life. In 1946, he joined the NYPD. During the years to follow, he also returned to school, ultimately receiving his Master’s degree from John Jay College. He thoroughly enjoyed his NYPD career, moving up the ranks to retire as a Captain in 1982. He was a member of the Captain’s Endowment Association and the NY 10-13 Association. Jack was also a member of the Marine Corps League Brooklyn #1 Detachment and once served as their Commandant. Jack was an avid reader, had a phenomenal memory and was a fabulous storyteller. He loved his music as well as attending concerts, the theater and the opera. He had his share of ups and downs but was amazingly resilient. He’d always say “I’m in pretty good shape for the shape I’m in”. When someone complained about medical problems, he’d gently remind them “but you’re still here”. He cherished life. He served his country and his community but, most of all, he was a family man. He loved and cared for his family and friends. A class act and a gentleman, he will be dearly missed. Jack is survived by his wife, Sarah (Davison Ayres) , his children Maureen Corley (Larry), Kathleen Baatz (Charlie), Ellen Arbeeny (Edward), John Byrnes (Wilma), Lynn Ayres (Caleb Chuma) and Douglas Ayres. He is also survived by his brothers Tommy and James Byrnes, his sister Helen Hansen and his brother in-law Roy (Kevin) Davison; by his grandchildren Michael Corley, Elizabeth Brady (Charlie), Alana Byrnes, Michael Byrnes, Glenna Roberts, Killian and Kieran Ayres and his great grandchildren Carson, Emilia and Eleanor Brady, Logan and Kyle Corley. He is also survived by Glenna’s mother Julie along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and family in Ireland. Jack is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Eleanor (McHugh), his son Michael and his sister Margaret (Sis) Criswell. Visitation at the Marine Park Funeral Home will be Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015 from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm. On Monday, Feb. 9, 2015, a Mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas Aquinas R.C. Church at 9:30am. Burial will be in St. Charles Cemetery, Farmingdale, L.I., N.Y. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to the following organizations: Marines Toys for Tots OR Fisher House Foundation, Inc. 111 Rockville Pike Suite #420, Rockville, MD 20850-5168. Website: FisherHouse.org. The family wishes to express their gratitude to all who cared for Jack over the past few years during his hospitalizations and rehabilitation. Your care for Jack was, and is, deeply appreciated.