Joseph Byrne

Joseph William Byrne (“Joe”), 93 years young, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on December 3, 2023 in Rye, New Hampshire.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth and Francis Byrne and daughter, Lauren.

Joe is survived by his cherished wife of 70 years, Doris (née McQueen) and nine children: Melissa (Anthony), Elizabeth (Thomas- deceased), Francis (Amy), Peter (Julie), Anne (Algis), Maureen (Timothy- deceased), Amy (James), Kathryn (William) and Julie.

He was a devoted Grandfather to his 21 grandchildren: Lee, Jack (Jaclyn), Allison (Eric), Kate (Erik), Dan (Amanda), Sarah (Corey), Joe, Kevin (Haley), Sean (Tina), Matas (Sydney), Paige (Steve), Sean, Michael, Griffin, Bill (Kasandra), Colleen (Scott), Gavin, Lauren, Kate, Alexander and Elizabeth.

He was a loving Great-Grandfather to his 15 great-grandchildren: Camellia, Peyton, Reese, William, Jordan, Caroline, Logan, Kenley, Brody, Ruby, Declan, Merrin, Verity, Isla and Carys.

Joe also treasured his friends and built strong, lifelong relationships.

Joe was born on November 8, 1930 in Dearborn, Michigan. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic Elementary and High School where he met Doris. He was an excellent student, multi-sport varsity athlete and trumpet player. He then went to the University of Notre Dame where he spent one season as a “walk-on” football player. Upon graduating he continued his lifelong commitment to living the values Notre Dame reinforced. He continued his education at the University of Michigan Graduate School of Business before being called to serve in the Korean Conflict with the U.S. Army. His career in the automotive industry included over 30 years at Ford Motor Company.

The hallmarks of Joe’s life included his lifelong Catholic faith, belief in trying to leave each situation a little better than when he arrived, love of family, unselfish commitment to educating his children and enthusiasm for sports. He was a long-time member of Oakland Hills Country Club. In addition to playing golf, he particularly enjoyed watching and attending both college and professional baseball, basketball and football games. Joe and Doris’ Notre Dame football tailgate parties were legendary and enjoyed by many over the years. Joe was proud of his Irish ancestry and his beloved “Fighting Irish”. Joe was a gentleman whose discretion, humility, generosity of spirit and sense of humor were appreciated by all who knew him.

ARRANGEMENTS: A Funeral Mass will be held at the University of Notre Dame Basilica of the Sacred Heart on June 17, 2024 at 2:30 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made in Joe’s name to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 20 Trafalgar Square, Suite 447, Nashua, NH 03063.

Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of New Hampshire, Hampton.