Obituary of John Edward Byrne

John Edward Byrne, 90, of Manalapan, passed away on Friday, October 11, 2024, peacefully at home surrounded by his family. John was born in Brooklyn, New York and moved to New Jersey 58 years ago.

A graduate of Fordham University, John excelled in his studies where he achieved high honors. After college, he honorably served in the US Army and later was employed as a Certified Public Accountant for Arthur Young & Company as a Manager, and for Josephthal & Co as a Partner.

After moving to NJ, John became the owner of Byrne’s Liquor Store in Keyport for over a decade. He was a Past President of the Keyport Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis Club. John finished his career with The State of New Jersey, working as a state investigator for the Division of Environmental Protection and the Division of Law and Public Safety. John retired in 2000 to spend more time with his adoring wife of 64 years, Margaret, his children, and his grandchildren.

John was a founding member of the Knights of Columbus #5903 and St. Thomas More Church. As a member of the Knights of Columbus, he served as a Grand Knight, Financial Secretary, and District Warden. He was also a 4^th Degree Knight. John was appointed a member of the Pastoral Council Board of Monmouth County, a member of the Finance and Building Fund Committee, Eucharistic minister, and Usher for St. Thomas More Church.  

John was a big fan of the New York Mets, the New York Football Giants, and always statistically found ways to beat his family in the yearly football pools. He coached football for Manalapan Township and enjoyed a few championship seasons. He loved the challenge of puzzles and particularly enjoyed doing crosswords and Sudoku. Above all, his humor and quick wit will be missed by all.

John was predeceased by his parents Edward Francis Byrne and Mary Agnes Kinsella and sisters Catherine Leggitt and Rosemary Donovan.  He is survived by his loving wife Margaret Ann Hynes Byrne; son Edward F. Byrne; daughters Barbara A. Byrne, Dawn M. Garner (Gregory Garner) and Sue A. Picklo (James Picklo) and grandchildren Matthew R. Restuccia, Timothy J. Restuccia, Savannah R. Byrne, Daniel J. Restuccia, Cheyenne M. Byrne, Shannon C. Picklo, Sierra M. Byrne, Erin M. Picklo, Alexandra J. Byrne and Evangeline F. Byrne.

Friends and family are invited to visit on Monday, October 14^th,, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at Freeman Manalapan Marlboro Funeral Home, 344 Route 9 North.  A funeral liturgy will be held at St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church in Manalapan, NJ on Tuesday, October 15th at 12:00 PM. Entombment will follow at St. Gabriel's Cemetery and Mausoleum, Marlboro, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org. To leave a condolence or find directions, visit www.freemanfuneralhomes.com.