Obituary of James F Byron

James Francis Byron, 73, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, August 20, 2014. Born in Albany, he was a graduate of Vincentian Institute Class of 1959 and RPI Class of 1963. Son of the late Francis and Margaret Cleary Byron. Jim is survived by his wife of 52 years Donna Fournier Byron of Albany and his 5 children and 9 grandchildren; Kevin (Sreca) and Juli Byron of Virginia, Kathleen (John) and Margaret, Nicholas and Victoria Schnurr of Albany, Elizabeth (Michael) and Alyssa and Thomas Jaquinto of Albany, Robert (Sabrina) and Sarah, Joshua and Rebekah Byron of Louisville, Kentucky and Mark Byron of New York City. Also survived by his niece Lisa Rifkin Clark and family of Clifton Park and several other nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Joan Byron Rifkin. Jim was a Professional Engineer who worked for the NYS DOT as a Senior Civil Engineer for over 45 years. Jim’s picture was always in the Evangelist as he was very involved with the Knights of Columbus and Mater Christi Youth Ministries, Future Cities of Tomorrow. He was a PGK of Albany Council #173; a 4th Degree member of the Mgsr Reilly Assembly; Coordinator Auriesville Pilgrimage; Coordinator for the Capital District Columbiettes and Albany Columbiettes. He also was a member Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 5 Albany; Albany Society of Engineers and American Society of Civil Engineers. Proudest moment for Jim was when he became a father and grandfather. Family came first followed by the Knights and his Irish heritage. Funeral Friday, 1:00PM on August 29th at The Parish of Mater Christi, 35 Hurst Avenue, Albany where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. The family will receive friends at The Parish of Mater Christi, Albany on Friday August 29th from 11:00 to 1:00. In lieu of flowers please make any donations in Jim’s name to the Sister Maureen Joyce Center or to Community Hospice. The family would like to thank Terry Clark, Hospice of Albany County and the staff at New York Oncology Hematology for all their support over the last 6 ½ years.