Russell M. Byrnes
March 1, 1950 ~ June 15, 2019
Russ Byrnes, age 69, of Madison, passed away June 15, 2019 at The Cleveland Clinic. He was born March 1, 1950 in Barnesboro, PA to John and Janet (Robinson) Byrnes and was a 1968 graduate of Mentor High School. He married Diane L. Sheakley September 23, 1978 in Madison, OH. Russ worked as an Assembly Manager at Fairport (Tartan) Yacht and very much enjoyed sailing the Great Lakes. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, serving as a Navy Seabee during the Vietnam Era.
Russ enjoyed sailing his Tartan 37 sailboat, working on construction projects at home, and restoring his 1967 Mustang Fastback. He was a member of the American Legion Post 112 in Madison and a MSA Softball coach and board member.
Russ is survived by his wife of 40 years, Diane; sons Marc (Nichole) Byrnes and Brian (JoEllen) Byrnes; grandchildren Dominic, Sophia, and Cullen; stepfather Robert Smith and siblings Ron (Stephanie) Byrnes, Don (Jeanine) Byrnes, Connie (Mitchell) Torres, and Bonnie Byrnes. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Joan Byrnes; and sister, Cyndi Byrnes.
Family will receive friends Friday, June 21, 2019 from 4 to 7pm at Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River St. Madison, OH. A funeral service will immediately follow visitation at 7:00pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Russ’ name to the
Veterans Administration, 7 W. Jackson St. Painesville, OH 44077.
Friends may leave condolences online at www.behmfuneral.com
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Even in the photo posted here, you can see that Russ's smile is reflected deeply in his eyes. I've always thought of him as the big brother I never had (and Shake as my big sister).Rest in peace. Gone but never forgotten.
Hey Grandpa Pop Pop, it’s Sophia Byrnes.
I hope your having so much fun in heaven, it’s been almost 6 years since you passed, I really hope you know Grandma misses you, so does Marc, Brian, Nichole, Dominic, everyone misses you. You’ve always had a special place in my heart, and that won’t ever change. Every minute, hour, day, month, year, I think of you. Remembering how much you loved going to beaches, sailing, working in the garage. Speaking of it, guess what! Dad finished the garage for you! And me and Grandma go to the beach almost every time I’m with her, I know next time we go this coming Thursday i’m going to write you a note on a rock and throw it into the water, were you used to sail. Also, today’s you and Grandmas 46th anniversary! September 23rd, 2025 is the date. Sadly, i have to go soon, i do percussion in 7th grade now! Therefore i have to go to band to practice. Also, my 13th birthday is coming up! I wish you were still with us to celebrate it, though, i know you’ll be watching from above <3 By the way! Make sure to have an AMAZING time In heaven, hope to see you in Heaven on day! I love you, Grandpa. -Sophia Rosaria Byrnes
Hell, dear Grandfather,
Happy Veteran’s Day! I miss you so much, but, remembering how much you sacrificed for us, will never leave my head. I remember, you served as a US Navy Veteran, which is awesome! Guess what! Today’s my 13th birthday too! I’m so happy that on my own birthday, I can celebrate you too. I love you so much, bye!
OMG I MEANT “HELLO” NOT THAT WORD!!!😭
Hello, Grandpa Pop Pop.
I haven’t talked to you since November 11th, 2025!
Sorry for that, I’ve had A LOT of stuff happen in my life in the past few months.
I’ll keep you updated with everything:
-I lost my other grandmother, Gail Bruening. (January 24th, 2026)
-I dropped out of gymnastics. (July 1st, 2025)
-I started my own jewelry business this year. (February 1st, 2026)
-Dad started making a cool, lounge area in the back of the garage. (Started in 2024)
-Mom and I have gotten a better relationship, and talk more often now. (Started in mid-January)
-Chaos and Vader passed away.(Vader: May of 2025) (Chaos: September of 2024?)
Overall, I miss you a lot. And, I hope you’re having such a great time wherever you are.
Sad thing is, we had to sell your sailboat, since no one was going to use it. We made big money off of it though!
I miss you, more than my heart can take. I miss your laughs, I miss your smile, I miss being called Pirate, I miss it all. More than I could ever know. Another thing, is you will forever have a special place in my heart. Right in the front. Right where it’s safe under my control. For me, I haven’t been doing the best, but not the worst. I mean, I’ve really just been struggling with my self-esteem lately, and I’m trying to get it up higher, and I have a LONG way to go, but it’ll be okay. OH! Guess what! I dyed my hair a bit ago! I dyed it a mix of blonde, my natural brown, and a bit of red!
I love you so much, Grandpa. And I always will,
With a heartful of love,
Pirate.