Vincent Byrne
Vincent B. Byrne, who worked in corporate marketing before starting his own firm and became a passionate teacher after he retired, died peacefully on August 10, 2018. A longtime Rye resident, he was 89.
Born July 30, 1929 in Dublin, Ireland, he was the son of Matilda and Michael Byrne. After several years in the seminary, in 1956 he emigrated to Chicago, and married Gabrielle Hozier, also from Dublin.
Mr. Byrne worked for General Foods and Continental Baking in White Plains, before starting his own marketing research firm, Consumer Diagnostics, which he operated for over 30 years. After retiring, he began his second career, teaching English as a Second Language, wanting to give those new to this country a head start. He would often say that teaching was his most meaningful and rewarding work. He taught until the age of 85.
A Rye resident for 55 years, Vincent Byrne was well-known and loved by many in the community. He enjoyed his daily walks along the beach and Playland Pier and was often accompanied by a family member or friend. He was also an active volunteer for the Rye chapter of Meals on Wheels.
Mr. Byrne was also an accomplished author who published three volumes of poetry: “Miracles”, “Choices” and “Enlightenment”. He was an avid reader, committed to spiritual growth, and devoted to his family and friends. He remained curious throughout his life and would often remind his children when dropping them at school, “Ask questions and laugh a lot.”
He is survived by his sister, Kathleen Leahy of Dublin; his children, Nuala Byrne-Jebb and her husband Doug and their children Maeve and Siobhan of Westport, Conn., Fiona Byrne-Oberman and her husband Brett and children Eric and Rowan of Westfield, N.J., and Brendan Byrne and his wife Jennifer and their children Tova and Declan of Westport; and his former wife. He was predeceased by his sisters, Betty and Carmel, and his brother, Michael.
Donations in Vincent Byrne’s memory may be made to Meals on Wheels,
P.O. Box 555 Rye, NY 10580.
A service in celebration of his life will be held Sunday, September 2 at
1 p.m. at Wainwright House in Rye.
