Brian Byrnes Obituary, Death – Brian Byrnes, previously of South Boston and Dorchester, died peacefully on January 16, 2023, with his family by his side, after a brief and heroic battle with cancer. At the time, Brian was 68 years old. Walter C. Byrnes, Jr., beloved son of the late Mary R. (McDonough) and Walter C. Byrnes, Sr., was mourned by Marie Laundry and her husband Wayne of South Boston, Paula Byrnes and her wife Cathy Carlton of North Fort Myers, FL, Ellen Hartrey, Walter C. Byrnes, III and his wife Susan, all of Wakefield, and the late Karen Byrnes and Julie Devlin. South Boston’s Mary Nave adored her nephew.
He is survived by several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, relatives, and beloved friends. Brian grew raised in South Boston on National Street and attended South Boston High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Boston. Brian also holds a master of public administration degree from Suffolk University. He later attended the JFK School of Government at Harvard University. Brian began his extended career in public administration at the age of 19 at Little City Hall in South Boston and retired as the Special Sheriff of Suffolk County.
After retirement, Brian began his second career as an adjunct professor of psychology and sociology at Bunker Hill Community College. Brian made the best of his situation. Brian toured the world in his 68 years, eventually settling in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for six months of the year, but he never lost touch with his Southie origins. Brian was a firm believer in the value of family, loyalty, and friendship. He was always eager to assist a family member or a friend. He could command a room and was a pleasure to be around. Brian will be remembered for his wit and sense of humor.
Everyone who cared about him did. Visitation will be held at the O’Brien Funeral Home, 146 Dorchester St, South Boston, on Friday, January 20th from 4-8pm. A funeral liturgy will be celebrated at Gate of Heaven Church, 615 East Fourth Street, South Boston, on Saturday, January 21st, at 10 a.m. The mass will be broadcast live on the website www.gateofheavenstbrigid.org. Family and friends are welcome to attend. He was laid to rest in Blue Hill Cemetery in Braintree. Donations may be made in Brian’s memory to the Sisters of St. Joseph, 637 Cambridge Street, Brighton, MA 02135.