Obituary of John Thomas Byrne

John Thomas (Tom) Byrne, 89, passed away on Monday, September 26, 2011. He was predeceased by his parents, Blanche W. and Walter F. Byrne and his sister Theresa Anne O’Byrne. Tom was a lifelong resident of Lockport. During World War II, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps, serving as a “Hump Pilot” flying supplies to soldiers in western China over the forbidding Himalayan Mountains. He returned to marry his high school sweetheart, Mary Jane Carter, and resume his career at Harrison Radiator. He retired as Assistant Director of Personnel in 1984, ending a 42 year career. Tom volunteered and was active in numerous civic organizations. He served on the boards of the Lockport Public Library, the Lockport YMCA, the Lockport Memorial Hospital, the Lockport Chapter of the American Red Cross, and the G-9 Management Club. He also served as the General Chairman of the Eastern Niagara County United Way Appeal and Chairman of the National Conference of Christians and Jews. He was a member of the Tuscarora Club and the Lockport Town and Country Club. In 1980, the Lockport Chamber of Commerce initiated its “Citizen of the Year” annual award and designated Tom as the first recipient. This award recognized and honored Tom for his community service. Tom is survived by his wife of 66 years Mary; their six children; Patricia B. Pereira (Lawrence), of Jacksonville, FL, Kathleen B. Gramet (Alan) of Syracuse, NY, Shawna E. Byrne of Euless, TX, Kevin T. Byrne (Valerie) of Livermore, CA, John G. Byrne (Sandra) of Pittsburgh, PA, and Mary Joan Frieden (Cary) of Austin, TX. He is also survived by his sister Mary Joan Byrne of Lockport; eleven grandchildren; Christian H. Hansen of Baltimore, MD; Hilary A. Turco (Matthew) of Buffalo, NY, Jennifer R. Zaborsky (Thomas) of Syracuse, NY, Thomas D. Byrne (Alison) of Lockport, Allison, Max and Madeline Byrne of Livermore, CA, Alec and Emma Loughborough of Austin, TX, Samuel and Benjamin Frieden of Austin, TX and seven great grandchildren. Friends may call on Wednesday, September 28th, from 4-7 pm at Lange Funeral Home, Inc., 186 East Ave., Lockport, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 am, on Thursday, in All Saints Parish of St. Patrick’s Church, 76 Church St., Lockport, NY. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Lockport Public Library, 23 East Avenue, Lockport, NY 14094 or to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.langefuneralhomeinc.com.