February 24, 2020
Byrnes, Bernard A.
Bernard Arthur Byrnes, a resident of Westwood since 1978, and formerly of Hyde Park, died Sunday, February 23, 2020 at his home in Westwood. He was 87. Bernard was born June 4, 1932 in Boston, Massachusetts, a son of Bernard and Dorothea Olga (Lunderkin) Byrnes. Bernard was a career military man, having served in the Marine Reserves, the Airforce, the Coast Guard, and the Navy Reserves. After his military service he worked as an aircraft maintenance planner for Eastern Airlines for 25 years, then ten years in Veteran’s Services for the Veterans Administration and finally ten years as the National Services Officer for the VFW. Bernard was a member of the US Airforce Air Weather Association, the US Coast Guard Lightship Sailors Association, the Needham VFW, the Dedham DAV, and a volunteer at the West Roxbury Veterans Administration Hospital. He also enjoyed gardening and travel. Bernard is survived by his wife, Fridel Gretel (Mann) Byrnes; his two sons, Eric H. Byrnes, and his wife Dalila, of Walpole, and Paul O. Byrnes, and his wife Mary Beth, of Walpole; and his two grandchildren, Emily and Joseph Byrnes. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Memorial Service Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 11:00 am at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 24 Berwick Street, Norwood. Private interment with military honors was at Knollwood Memorial Park in Canton. In lieu of flowers donations to the Fisher House, PO Box 230, South Walpole, MA 02071 or to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 24 Berwick St., Norwood, MA 02062 would be appreciated.
Comments(4)
So very sorry for your loss.
It is with sadness that I write this. Bernie Byrnes was a wonderful member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2498, and will be missed by all his fellow vets here in Needham.
Bernie was the heart and soul of our Post, always helping other vets with their Veterans Administration (VA) interactions. He personally helped me as a Vietnam Veteran to get VA to help and support for my Agent Orange toxic effects.
The Needham Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2498 will drape our Post with black in his honor when we meet next week, and provide “the Final Salute” to a treasured member and friend.
Thomas Keating, Chaplain
Needham VFW Post 2498
So sorry to hear of Bernie’s passing, he was a true friend to all he met.
As a past member of The Board of Directors of the Lightship Sailors Assoc., he both inspired and motivated our members to seek out and pursue all Veterans Benefits so richly deserved.
A true Friend, he will always be missed. And will be honored at our annual Lightship Sailors Memorial.
Larry Ryan, President and Board Chairman
Bernie will always be remember for his support and kindness to all veterans. He helped my husband get his benefits from asbestos related injury through the navy. I dealt with Bernie on a daily basis trying to get college benefits for veterans. Some day we will meet again Bernie, while up in the heavens say hi to my son, Sgt. Sean Armstrong. Again thank you for all you did on this earth, R.I.P. Bernie, our dear friend forever.