On Sunday, April 12, 2020, Arthur Byrnes, retired Medford police officer, proud Marine, and loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away at age 81.
Arthur was born on September 13, 1938 in Quincy, MA to James and Ruth Byrnes and raised in Charlestown, MA. He joined the Marine Corps in February of 1957, served our country for 2 years and received an honorable discharge in 1959. While in the Marine Corps, Arthur’s passion for martial arts developed when he began studying judo. While traveling to Japan, Arthur received the invitation to the Hakko Ryu Hombu Dojo where he earned the rank of master in jujitsu.
Upon return from the Marine Corps, Arthur settled in Medford, taught judo and jujitsu at his “Bushido Kai Dojo”. Arthur continued to serve his community by joining the Medford Police Department. Arthur’s knowledge and passion for teaching the martial arts earned him a reputation and the nickname “The Karate Guy”.
Arthur retired after 20 years of service with the police department. Arthur’s hobbies included visiting the Elks Lodge, American Legion, the Riverside Yacht Club, enjoying a Budweiser on his boat, the “COPOUT”, and of course listening to the police scanner. He was also appointed by Mayor McGlynn as the harbormaster in the City of Medford.
Arthur is survived by his wife Diane Soccorso Byrnes of Medford, his three children, Michael Byrnes of Boston, James Byrnes of Austin, TX and Jenna Byrnes of Medford, and seven grandchildren.
During the current and tragic times, no services will be held. Arthur will be buried at Puritan Lawn in Peabody. A celebration of life will be held at a later date in order to do things the way “Art” would have wanted.
In lieu of flowers, Arthur’s family is requesting donations be made to Cops for Kids with Cancer https://copsforkidswithcancer.org/donation-memoriam/