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