NORWICH – George Edward Patrick Byrne, 96, of Norwich, passed away on July 3, 2012 at Chenango Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.
George was born on Aug. 13, 1915 in Norwich, the son of James F. Byrne and Mary (McInerney) Byrne.
On July 7, 1951 at St Paul’s Church, he married Anna Rose Welch who predeceased him on Oct. 14, 2006. He is survived by his daughter, Maureen, of Norwich and his son and daughter-in-law Michael and Cheryl Byrne of Las Vegas Nevada. He was pre-deceased by his brothers Robert, John and James and his sisters Mary and Margaret.
George graduated from Norwich High School in 1933, where he played football and was vice president of his senior class. After high school, George worked locally for three years and then attended Purdue University on a football scholarship. He graduated from Purdue in 1940 with a B.S. degree in Economics.
In 1941, George was drafted into the United States Army shortly before Pearl Harbor. He was sent to Fort Bragg as a Private, but was quickly promoted to Corporal and then Sergeant in the 910th field artillery group. After acceptance into Officer Candidate School, George was promoted to the rank of Captain and was shipped to North Africa and then to Italy. While in Italy, he fought in three major battles in World War II, earning the Bronze Star. After five years of service in the United States Army, he was in the process of being promoted to the rank of Major when the war ended.
In 1946, George took over the family business, Byrne Building Supply, a mason supply business. Later be became manager of Bundy Concrete Company.
In 1959, George was part of a group of area investors who started The Family Recreation Center, a local bowling establishment. George supervised the construction of the original 16 lanes and the subsequent expansion to 28 lanes and served as the proprietor of the operation for 25 years, retiring in 1984. He was well known for his dedication to youth bowling instruction as well as adult leagues and the legendary “King of the Hill” series.
George was very active in the Norwich community. He was a past exalted ruler of Elks Lodge #1222, past president of the Norwich Kiwanis Club, past Senior vice Commander of VFW Post 2782 and was active in Knights of Columbus Council 211. In addition, George served on the Chenango County Draft Board for 15 years, serving as Chairman during the difficult Vietnam war years. He was a former member of The Ontario Hose Company in Norwich.
A lifelong member of St Paul’s Catholic Church, George was Past President of the Holy Name Society and served on the Parish Council. He was an active member of the Church’s Restoration Team in remodeling St. Paul’s Church and was a member of the Cemetery Board.
An avid golfer, bowler and sports enthusiast, George enjoyed watching Purdue and Notre Dame football and the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team.
He was naturally blessed with a beautiful singing voice and a quick Irish wit which enabled him to entertain and deliver a good story to all. He was a dedicated husband and father and will be dearly missed by his family.
Calling hours will be held at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. The family will pray the rosary at 7:45 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at on Monday, July 9, at 11 a.m. from St Paul’s Church, Rev. Ralph Bove officiating.
The family asks you to consider donations to St Paul’s Church of Norwich or to the Norwich Emergency Squad.