John "Jack" Patrick Byrne

Jack Byrne, 85, of The Cypress Club of Charlotte NC, husband, father, Grandfather and friend, left us to be with his deceased wife Nancy on April 22, 2021. He was born in New York City on January 30, 1936.

He was the first son of the late Rita and Jack Byrne. He is survived by his four children John, Donayn Dugan, Dean and Victoria Melton and their spouses, Debbie, Bob, Sue and Blake. He is also survived by his seven Grandchildren, Amanda, Ryan, Morgan, Lindsey, Christopher, Jack and Charlie and his fiancé Jane Kropp. He is preceded in death by his brother Bob and Jim and sister in law Rose. His sister in law Sandy together with Buddy and Maryann and families survived Jack’s death.

He graduated from Newtown H.S. (Queens NY) in 1953 and from City College of New York in 1962. He began his career in New York City with Royal Insurance (US Headquarters) in the Methods and Procedure area. He also spent many years in the Claims and Loss Division, both in the field and in New York City rising to Claims Secretary. In 1974 he was appointed Vice President Office Services and systems. Jack was part of the Relocation Committee that recommended Charlotte and moved Royal Insurance Headquarters to Charlotte NC.

He had significant interest in Civic and Community Projects. Jack was appointed to the UNCC Athletic Foundation in 1990 and became President in 1992. He served both the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County on The Planning Commission and became Vice Chairman Zoning.

Jack also served on the Minority and Women’s Council and became its President. Additionally he served as President of the Shearwater Point Homeowners Association and Vice President of the Veteran of the Seventh Regiment (Silk Stockings). Jack is also a member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). He was also active in Insurance industry Associations and was on the board of the ACORD Project. Additionally he served on the Boards of various Royal Insurance Companies and was President of the Crown & Shield Co.

Early in life, Jack had a calling to serve and joined the 3rd Battalion 165th Infantry (Fighting 69th) Nyarng. After graduating from the Empire State Military Academy, he was commissioned a 2LT Inf, in the 165INF, 42 ID. After various command and operating assignments, he was assigned to command the 1st Bn 107 and promoted to Lt. Colonel. His last assignment was Inspector General 42I.D. (Rainbow). Jack left the New York National Guard in 1984. Upon his relocation to Charlotte he was promoted to Colonel in the Army Reserve. He retired in 1996 as a Col/Inf. Jack attended various Military schools required for promotion and was a graduate of the ARMY Command and General Staff College. In addition, he was awarded the United States Meritorious Service, National Defense, Armed Forces Reserve and Army Reserve Components Reserve Medals. Additionally he was awarded the Army Commendation metal with Custer, Aid to Civil Authorities, Humanitarian Service and the 25 yr Long and Faithful service medal.

Jack’s family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 PM Sunday, April 25th at McEwen Funeral Service – Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Road in Charlotte. A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, April 26th at St. Vincent De Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte at 1:30 PM. Interment with military honors will follow in Mimosa Cemetery, 600 South Street in Davidson.

Jack does not want any flowers, memorial gifts can be made to The American Cancer Society.

Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com.