Thomas Byrnes

"Where a beautiful soul has been, beautiful memories remain"

Thomas A. Byrnes began his tremendous life on April 1, 1938, in Nutley, New Jersey.  Tom was the proud husband of his wife, Mary Carolyn ("Mimi") Holveck Byrnes, and he cherished his three children, Jennifer Byrnes, Thomas Byrnes (Lisha) and John Byrnes, his three granddaughters, Katie Cutrone, Megan Byrnes, and Julia Byrnes, his daughter-in-law Laura Byrnes (John), his former son-in-law, Jack Cutrone (Jennifer), and sister Sally Byrnes Magin (Gary and daughter Jessica). 

Tom enjoyed a successful and rewarding career that started in chemical sales and transitioned to the executive search and management consulting fields. Tom worked with some of the largest corporations in the world. Tom thrived with every opportunity he had, and he fondly recalled being able to live in Switzerland and Brussels.  Back in the United States, Tom loved living in New Canaan, Connecticut, Amelia Island, Florida, and Indian Land, South Carolina.  

Tom was a renaissance man.  As a young child, Tom was an active athlete, pianist, and painter. Tom excelled academically, and he attended Yale University where he played on the baseball team. After marrying Mimi, he moved to New York City where he obtained his MBA from New York University. Mimi is fond of recalling how Tom would lock himself in the bathroom and lay down in the bathtub so he could find a quiet place to study.

Tom’s talents were far and wide. He was an avid sportsman who excelled at baseball and loved a great round of golf.  His true passion however was fishing.  He travelled all over in search of trout and game fish.  He loved the time he spent in Jackson, Wyoming and the years competing in The One Fly Tournament.  He fished all over the United States, from the Green River in Utah, all over Jackson, Wyoming and the surrounding parts of Idaho and Montana, Florida, New York, Connecticut, Virginia and Maryland. 

As with all of his endeavors, Tom loved to travel, find great experiences, and talk. Tom, Mimi, and the family had so many amazing trips to various parts of the United States and the world.  His sense of adventure was boundless.  One of Tom's greatest enjoyments was to meet people, spend time with them and just talk. He loved learning about people and discussing their similarities, differences and life experiences. Tom loved his family dearly, and everything he did was to try and provide them with an exceptional life. Tom passed away in peace on the afternoon of February 5, 2021.  He was married to the love of his life, Mimi for more than 60 years. Tom faced his illness with dignity and grace, surrounded by his family and was comforted by their love and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in Tom’s honor to the Kindred At Home Foundation, 223 S. Herlong, Ste 120, Rock Hill, SC 29732

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