DEERFIELD ---- John L. Byrne, 85, of Deerfield, NH, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 28, 2022, at the Elliot Hospital in Manchester with his wife Sofia at his side.
John was born December 25, 1936, in Rutland, VT, to John Henry and Mae Belle (Durkee) Byrne.
He grew up in East Clarendon, VT. After graduating from Wallingford High School in Vermont, John enlisted in the USMC in 1957 following in his brother James' footsteps. Soon after brother Robert joined his brothers in the Marines. John remained a proud Marine veteran throughout his life. When he was discharged, he settled in Manchester, NH, and worked as a mechanic for Hickox Motors. In 1964 he founded B & J Motors on South Willow Street where he provided quality used cars and service to customers for 55 years.
John was an avid vintage car enthusiast. He is best known for his 1926 Packard Phaeton that was seen in many vintage car meets, parades, and five Glidden Tours throughout New England. John always drove the car of the oldest veterans in parades. He was a member of the Granite State Antique Auto Club, the PALS, and the Packard Club of America. He was an ultralight pilot for years before he obtained his private pilot's license. He and Sofia flew their Navion to many air shows across the country.
John is survived by his wife Sofia (Borowski) Byrne, son John L. Byrne, Jr., and his loyal companion Karen Ben, daughter Lisa A. Byrne Gustin, and her husband John Gustin, stepsons Lance Linke, and his wife Amanda, and Alex Linke, and his wife Colleen, his brother Robert Byrne, and his wife Gloria, his sister Marilyn Byrne Holmquist, grandson Kyle Byrne, and step-grandchildren Paige, Aubre, Ava and Hayden Linke. He is predeceased by his parents, his brothers James Byrne, and Michael Bryne, sister Charlene Byrne Ferrell, and his grandson Nicholas Henry Hatch.
Calling Hours will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2022, from 10:00am-12:00pm in the Carriage House at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home,164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH. A Funeral Service will take place at 12:00pm.
Burial with military honors will be Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at 11:00am at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen, NH. Family and friends are encouraged to come in their vintage cars in honor of John's passing.
A gathering will follow the graveside burial at Alan's of Boscawen, 133 N. Main Street, Boscawen.
The family would like to thank the entire staff at the Elliot Hospital for the compassionate care that John was given.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services and 603Cremations.com, Laconia, NH, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit www.wilkinsonbeane.com.