John M. “Jack” Byrne, 88, the part owner of Byrne Dairy, has died. Jack’s father, Mathew V. Byrne founded the company in 1933. Jack served as president from 1946 until 1972. During this time, he presided over the expansion of the dairy from a small retail business with home delivery to a major wholesale and retail operation including the establishment of the first dairy stores in 1957.
Jack was born in 1919 in Syracuse, N.Y. to Matthew V. and Elizabeth McCarthy Byrne. He graduated from Most Holy Rosary High School and Holy Cross College class of 1940 in Worchester, Mass. Mr. Byrne was a communicant and active parishioner of Most Holy Rosary Church and school while in Syracuse. After moving to Florida, he was a member of the Prince of Peace Church in Sun City Center.
Well known for his involvement in sports throughout his lifetime, Jack started speed skating at the age of 12. He won many skating events and titles in his youth and continued skating while attending Holy Cross College as speed skating was a collegiate sport. Jack supported and volunteered in what organization he or his children were involved. He was a rules official at golf tournaments, referee at local and national speed skating meets and always involved in the booster clubs with any program his children were involved. Jack’s love for speed skating lead to his involvement with head governing bodies on speed skating to its highest level, Being on the Board of Directors of the United States Olympic Committee. (USOC). He was involved in 5 winter Olympic Games (Lake Placid ’80, Sarajevo ’84, Calgary ’88, Albertville ’90 and Lillehammer ’94). Jack was very instrumental in establishing the Charitable Foundation to provide funds to support speed skaters.
In May 1994 Jack was inducted into the U.S. Speed Skating Hall of Fame. Jack was also inducted into the Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame in October 1998. Jack passed his love of the sport on to his children and grandchildren, as well as his great-grandchildren.
3 Comments on “Bryne Dairy Loses Leader”
When did Mr. Bryne die? I am married to Michael John Bryne. I was told he passed away 5 years ago. I have been trying to get in touch with Mike for over a year, I would like a none contested divorce but I have been unable to reach him.
When did Mr. Bryne die? I am married to Michael John Bryne. I was told he passed away 5 years ago. I have been trying to get in touch with Mike for over a year, I would like a none contested divorce but I have been unable to reach him.
When did Mr. Bryne die? I am married to Michael John Bryne. I was told he passed away 5 years ago. I have been trying to get in touch with Mike for over a year, I would like a none contested divorce but I have been unable to reach him.