Large attendance at Offaly native's funeral in Florida
THE death has occurred in Florida of Derrycooley native Michael (Mike) Byrne at the age of 93.
Mike, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and skilled mechanic, passed away peacefully at his Palm Harbor home on July 24th, at the age of 93.
Born in Derrycooley, County Offaly, on May 31st, 1930, Mike lived a wonderfully full life, characterised by his creative, and gentle nature.
In his professional life, Mike's exceptional skill and passion for mechanics led him to a remarkable career that spanned across several countries. His journey began at GN Walsh in Tullamore, before moving on to Cavan town, and later London.
He emigrated to the United States in 1957 and continued his mechanical journey with a trucking company in Elmsford, New York, before moving back to Ireland as a Fitter at Bord Na Mona in Derrinlough.
He later worked at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mt. Kisco, New York before culminating his career as a 'Tin Knocker' for Metro North in New York. During his professional career, he was honoured to work on projects that included London Bridge and Heathrow Airport in the UK, Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, and Grand Central Station in New York.
Mike returned to Ireland with his family in 1976 for a number of years to work in Bord na Mona and owned and managed with his wife Frances, the Lawrence apartments in Church Street/Market Square, Tullamore. His children attended school in Tullamore, and made life-long friendships that endure to this day.
Mike was treasured by his employers and co-workers, not just for his mechanical prowess but also for his witty sense of humour, his ability to tell a great story, and his inventive spirit. He was a man who could always find a way to mend what was broken - a co-worker once stated that he was the only man he knew that could take out a diesel engine, rebuild it, and put it back, all in the same shift! His laughter and originality brought joy to those around him, making even everyday moments memorable. Always ready with a joke or a story, he lived his life with grace, humour, and gratitude.
Beyond his work and unique interests, Mike's greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Mary Frances Byrne (new McGowan, a Tullamore native), and their four cherished children - Frances Byrne Keefe, Karen Byrne Ondash, Kevin Byrne, and Deirdre Byrne Glynn. His legacy lives on in his children, their spouses: Darla Darlin and Stephen Glynn, and his adored grandchildren: Fionn and Rory Keefe, Kiley and Mark Ondash Jr., Kaela and Ciara Byrne, and Jilian and Ellie Glynn. Each one of them was a source of immense pride and joy for Mike.
Mike’s funeral took place in Palm Harbour on Monday July 31. He is fondly remembered by a generation of visiting Tullamore people whom he and his family welcomed into their home in Yorktown Heights, New York.