Leo J. Byrnes, resident of Winthrop, former resident of Melrose and longtime resident of Charlestown, entered into eternal life on Saturday April 18, 2020 at the Bear Hill Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Stoneham. He was 93 years old.
Leo was born in Everett on August 20, 1926, son of the late Leo J. Byrnes and Hilda (Power). He grew up in Everett where he and his mother lived with his eight beloved cousins, the Barretts, following the death of his father in 1938. In 1943, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy and completed basic training at the U.S. Naval Training Center in Sampson, NY. Following basic training, Leo served aboard the USS PC-495 ( a 173’ submarine chaser) and saw action in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. After the war, he served aboard the USS Arikara ATF 98 and received an honorable discharge as a Motor Machinist’s Mate, 1st class. Following his service to his country, Leo married the love of his life Claire Dumas and they both worked hard to support their growing family. He retired from General Electric in Lynn in 1992, after many years of service. Leo is the devoted friend of Bill W.
Leo was the beloved husband of the late Claire J. (Dumas). He was the devoted father of Arlene of Somerville, Joseph and his wife Mary Jane MJ of Wilmington, James and his wife Linda of Wilmington, Mary Roy and her husband Thomas of Winthrop, Gerald and his wife Mary of Medford, Michael and his wife Dawn of Melrose and the late Leo Byrnes.
Leo was the loving Papa to Lauren Baino, Isis Sadocha, Natalia, Conor, and Erika Byrnes, Jimmy Byrnes and Nora (Byrnes) King, Michelle (Roy) Wright and Nicole (Roy) Worthington, Gerald and Siobhan Byrnes and Amanda, Emily and Patrick Byrnes. He is also survived by 7 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, family friend John Baino and his beloved cousins the Barretts. Leo’s biggest joy in life was spending time with his family and he always had a smile on his face. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Memorial donations in Leo’s name may be made to The Friends of Ryan Morrissey Scholarship Fund, PO Box 290009, Charlestown, MA 02129
DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, LEO'S FUNERAL SERVICES AND BURIAL AT WOODLAWN CEMETERY IN EVERETT WILL BE PRIVATE.