"Tom was an outstanding member of the Leominster High School Class of 1966 and was well liked by everyone. On behalf of the Class, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to his family for your loss. We will honor him with a moment of silence at our next reunion. Sincerely, Bob Goss, Class President."
In loving memory of
Thomas William Byrne
September 30, 1948 - September 11, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas W. Byrne, 71, of Tiverton, Rhode Island. Tom died peacefully at home, with his family on Friday, September 11th, after a courageous battle with glioblastoma. He was the beloved husband and best friend of Edythe De Marco and the proud and adoring father of Jason Byrne. He was a beloved uncle, brother-in-law and friend.
Born in Leominster, MA, on September 30, 1948, Tom was the son of the late Paul J. and Shirley L. (neé Yager) Byrne, step-son of Olive Byrne and loving brother of Karen A. Byrne, of Natick, MA.
Tom was a Boston College "Double Eagle", having attended both undergraduate and graduate school at the university. He began his career in pharmaceutical sales, with Burroughs Wellcome, in Boston, in 1975, then worked in marketing for Kendall, before moving to RI to assume the role of Marketing Manager for Davol, in Cranston. He spent eleven years working with Edye at Merrill Lynch, in Providence, before retiring in 2011. Tom served as former Board Chair of The French-American School of RI and as Board Member for The Villages on Mount Hope Bay.
Tom and Edye met in 1994, were engaged in Paris a year later and then eloped to Aspen in January of 1996. They lived in Pawtucket for 24 years before moving to Tiverton. Together, and often with friends and family, enjoyed watching boats sail on the Sakonnet River and the sun set over the Narragansett bay from their deck. Their annual post-holiday trip to Stowe, VT, with Jason and extended family, gave Tom great joy.
Tom will be forever remembered for his loving heart, sense of humor, knack for trivia, appreciation of music and theatre, travel, good food, bourbon and a great fireworks display. He enjoyed playing piano, guitar and the ukulele.
Tom was an avid tennis player. Although he vowed never to "belong to a club that would have him as a member," he joined Agawam Hunt in 2005 and thoroughly enjoyed playing grass tennis with his buddies or wherever someone had a racket and was willing to chase fuzzy yellow balls.
Tom had the gift of being a good listener and was easy to accept, adapt and forgive. He had an abiding love of The Beatles, the Red Sox, iced coffee, fried clams and ice cream. He will be greatly missed by his family, his friends, furry companions, Reilly and Bailey, and all who knew him.
The funeral and burial is limited to immediate family due to CDC Guidelines. For access to livestream on day of service click the following link:
September 19th, 2020 at 11AM
https://bit.ly/35BUDk4.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Foster Forward, www.fosterforward.net or Hope Hospice, www.hopehealthco.org.
Tributes
"Godspeed, Tom. "
"To the loving family of Tom ... I had the pleasure of working with Tom at Davol for many years. He was always such a gentleman & so kind to everyone. A conversation with Tom, whether work related or personal, always began & ended with a \'smile\'. Tom is one of those special persons you meet during your lifetime & will never forget. My thoughts, prayers & sincere condolences are extended to his entire family. With deepest sympathy, Fran Protano "
"Edye and Jason, I was so very sorry to hear about Tom\'s illness and passing. Never have I met such a person as Tom. I worked with him for many years at Davol and considered him a boss and a good friend. In all the years I knew Tom, he always had a smile on his face and although I\'m sure he had days he was angry or just not having a good day, he never showed it. There are those people who you meet in your life who have a profound influence on your life and hold a special place in your heart and Tom was one of those people for me. Over the years, we had many laughs but he was always there for me in tough times as well such as when my own dad was sick and eventually passed. He was one of the kindest people I have ever known and I truly believe that the world is a better place having had Tom in it. He loved being a husband and a dad and you are both lucky to have had him as part of your life. He will always be with you and in time that will bring you great joy. I will miss him greatly. Love, Susan Mariani"
"Dear Edythe, I am very sorry for your loss. May you feel peace and happiness from memories of your time together. Warm regards, Deborah Byrne colleague Bank of America/ Merrill"