Thomas Byrne Obituary

Eulogy for Thomas Byrne; July 10, 2004



Good Morning...



We are here today to celebrate the life of Thomas Byrne.



Thomas Byrne is my Uncle. He is the middle child and younger brother to my father Patrick and brother to my Aunt Kay, his younger sister.



Thomas is survived by his wife Arlene... Best Friends and 44 years of Marriage.



He is also survived by his children, Colleen, Michael, Peggy, James, 7-Grandchildren and he is very proud of each of them.



This morning I had my last conversations with my Uncle. As usual I did all the talking but I could still see him nod his head and smile.



Thomas was born here in Chicago on December 31, 1937. 66 years ago. On that cold and snowy day on the way to the hospital they got stuck in a large snow bank a few miles away from the hospital. His Mother gave birth to him in the back seat of that 1935 Ford. Still stuck in the snow little Tommy got out to help his father dig the Ford free so they could continue to the hospital to take care of his Mother.



Now this is a story but there is some truth in it and I know each and everyone of you have your own to tell and share how Thomas Byrne came into your life.



Uncle Tom was a honest man, he lived life to the brim. He was a man of few words but when the time was right he was a man of many words and a man of wisdom.



Irish to the bone... an American Patriot through and through...



He enjoyed his sports, his drinks, his smokes and he wasn’t shy about sharing his political beliefs.



Just a few weeks back Uncle Tom shared a few thoughts with me while talking on the phone. Here I don’t dare repeat what he said... But I will tell you this I felt his passion and his love for this great Country...



Thomas Byrne is a retired member of IBEW Local 134 and he is a Army Veteran...



Last night at the wake I heard many great and funny stories about my Uncle. A Superman,a honest man, a great Brother-in-law, a good friend. Someone you could trust and rely on... And the stories went on. I felt as if he was still alive the way those who knew him talked and shared their stories about my Uncle.



This gathering is a testimony to the powerful simplicities of Thomas Byrne’s life as a loving:

Husband.... Father.... Grandfather... Brother.... Uncle.... Relative...... and Friend

More than any words we may have to say now Thomas Byrne touched our lives with his smile, his words of encouragement and his gentle nudge...





Uncle Tom...



This is goodbye for now

But we shall see you soon



We have joy for you and our love for you is endless

But yet our hearts are heavy with sorrow



Yes; your smile will be missed

But your memory will live forever in our hearts



Goodbye:

Husband;

Father;

Grandfather;

Brother;

Uncle;

Relative,

... and Friend



Goodbye Uncle Tom

And Thank You ....................



Nephew: Patrick James Byrne

Uncle Tom, we will miss you. Thank you for your kindness and your commitment to family. Be at peace in heaven. We are sharing in sorrow and praying with the rest of the family.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Tom was a great man, and he will be missed tremendously. I feel fortunate to have been touched by him in my life. It was always a joy to work with him. My prayers and thoughts are with his entire family. He really made a difference in my life. He was always kind to me. You don't always find that, being a female in the trades. Thanks Tom, I'll miss you. My condolences to the entire family.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.