In Memory Of
Donald J. Byrnes
1931
2021
Donald J. Byrnes
August 27, 1931 — March 3, 2021
On March 3, 2021, Donald Joseph Byrnes passed away in Orlando, FL at the age of 89.
Don was born in Jersey City, NJ on August 27, 1931. Throughout his childhood, he developed a passion for drawing and painting that later earned him an apprenticeship with Norman Rockwell as a background artist.
From 1951-1955, Don honorably served at Lowry and Keesler Air Force Bases before being deployed to Kimpo Air Base in South Korea as an A-1C radar technician for combat warplanes. Much of his free time was spent sketching photo-quality drawings for his fellow officers to send home to their families.
On October 11, 1964, Don married his loving wife Margaret "Peggy" Harrison at Saint Patrick's Cathedral in Newark, NJ. They raised their three children in West Orange, NJ. In 2012, Don and Peggy moved to Orlando to be close to their children and grandchildren.
Don was an avid Giants fan, loved playing Texas Hold 'em, and enjoyed an occasional Scotch whiskey. He continued drawing and painting throughout his life, and many of his original works are proudly displayed at his children's homes.
Don was a devout Catholic, and as his health declined in recent years, his faith remained his guiding light.
Don is survived by his loving wife, Margaret; cherished children Donald, Michael and Elizabeth; and nine grandchildren Blair, Blake, Brianna, Vivian, Camille, Theodore, Mirella, Amelia and Charlotte.
A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 1:00 PM at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 1501 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32828.
Don will be interred with military honors at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery on Monday, March 29, 2021 at 2:30 PM, alongside his fellow veterans.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida in Don's name.
To share your memories of Don or leave a special condolence message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
Don was born in Jersey City, NJ on August 27, 1931. Throughout his childhood, he developed a passion for drawing and painting that later earned him an apprenticeship with Norman Rockwell as a background artist.
From 1951-1955, Don honorably served at Lowry and Keesler Air Force Bases before being deployed to Kimpo Air Base in South Korea as an A-1C radar technician for combat warplanes. Much of his free time was spent sketching photo-quality drawings for his fellow officers to send home to their families.
On October 11, 1964, Don married his loving wife Margaret "Peggy" Harrison at Saint Patrick's Cathedral in Newark, NJ. They raised their three children in West Orange, NJ. In 2012, Don and Peggy moved to Orlando to be close to their children and grandchildren.
Don was an avid Giants fan, loved playing Texas Hold 'em, and enjoyed an occasional Scotch whiskey. He continued drawing and painting throughout his life, and many of his original works are proudly displayed at his children's homes.
Don was a devout Catholic, and as his health declined in recent years, his faith remained his guiding light.
Don is survived by his loving wife, Margaret; cherished children Donald, Michael and Elizabeth; and nine grandchildren Blair, Blake, Brianna, Vivian, Camille, Theodore, Mirella, Amelia and Charlotte.
A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 1:00 PM at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 1501 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32828.
Don will be interred with military honors at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery on Monday, March 29, 2021 at 2:30 PM, alongside his fellow veterans.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida in Don's name.
To share your memories of Don or leave a special condolence message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donald J. Byrnes, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Service
Saturday, March 27, 2021
Starts at 1:00 pm (Eastern time)
St. Joseph's
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