Thomas Patrick Byrnes, a Brooklyn born son of Ireland, was born on July 14, 1929, and recalled to God peacefully in his sleep on November 21, 2025, at the age of 96.

Thomas grew up during the Depression and did whatever work was available, delivering messages by bicycle, setting bowling pins, and serving as a barker at Coney Island during his high school years. Every few years he traveled with his mother, Hannah McHugh, to visit family on Achill Island, where he helped cut turf, learned the old songs, and gathered dillisk from the shoreline.

Thomas served as a Staff Sergeant in the Korean War before returning home to start his career.

In 1955, he married the love of his life, Ann Clune Dillon, and together they settled in Poughkeepsie, New York, and raised six children: Thomas Jr. (deceased), Mary, Karen, Keith, Jeffrey, and Christopher. His devotion to his family was an inspiration to anyone who knew him.

After earning his degree, he began his career with IBM. He started as head timekeeper and later worked in management development and training. His work took the family to Stuttgart, Paris, and Hong Kong, moves that marked important chapters in their lives.

Thomas had a few personal interests his family remembers well. He kept a folder of roller coasters he hoped to visit one day and had a particular talent for spotting used-car bargains, often buying a car simply because he knew someone in the family could use it. He could also command a room with his engaging personality, singing, and storytelling.

After the passing of his wife and son in 2024, Thomas lived in Ellenville, New York, where his family cared for him in his final years.

He is survived by his five children, 15 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

Family will receive their friends on Monday, November 24, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 E. Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 11 Clinton Street in Wappingers Falls. Thomas will then be laid to rest beside his wife and son at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Wappingers Falls.