Michael Byrnes Obituary

Michael "Mike" Byrnes was called home by Our Lord on December 19, 2023 after a two-year battle with ALS. He was born on December 10, 1956 in Honolulu, Hawaii while his father was stationed at Pearl Harbor. He grew up in a Navy family that traveled all over the country and eventually settled in Virginia Beach. Mike graduated from Bayside High School in 1974 and Old Dominion University in 1978.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Dianne S Byrnes, his sons, Ryan M Byrnes (Haley) and Hunter W Byrnes (Mary), his granddaughter, Sutton E Byrnes, and five brothers and sisters, William J Byrnes (Edith), James C Byrnes (Sarah), John L Byrnes (Mary), Mary J Byrnes, and Anne L Reeder. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Capt. William J Byrnes, USN (Ret.) and Betty J Byrnes, his sister, Margaret A Sanders and brother-in-law, Andrew Reeder.

Mike worked with the Eastern Virginia Health System Agency as Executive Director until his retirement. He was a dedicated member of his community, serving as president of the PTA and Princess Anne Hills Civic League, as well as serving on the Boards of the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Arts, Beach FC, and the North Virginia Beach Civic League.

Mike, known as Zoomin by many of his friends, was the life of every party. He particularly excelled at costume parties and was the last to leave any social gathering. He was an avid host and was in his element when entertaining and catering to those around him. His infectious smile lit up every room and will be sorely missed by those that knew him.

He came upon golf later in life but enjoyed playing with his golf boys at Red Wing and his sons and friends at the Princess Anne Country Club. He refused to let ALS be a detriment to his golf game and continued to play as long as he could grip the club. Above all, he loved his sons immensely and was their biggest fan, spending years taking them to soccer practices and tournaments across the country while serving as the team manager. Fortunately for him, the soccer community provided Mike many of his dearest friendships.

A viewing will be held at HD Oliver Funeral Home (Laskin Rd.) on January 4, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00pm. Funeral services will be held at Church of the Holy Family located at 1279 N. Great Neck Road in Virginia Beach on January 5, 2024 at 11:00am followed by interment at Eastern Shore Chapel Cemetery and a reception from 1:00 to 3:00pm at the Princess Anne Country Club. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Mike's honor to the ALS Association.