William G. Byrnes

William Gregory Byrnes, 84, of Stamford, CT, passed away peacefully at Stamford Hospital on Friday, April 8. surrounded by family. Bill was a lifelong Stamford resident, born on November 18, 1931 to the late Patrick J. and Elizabeth Byrnes. A graduate of Stamford High School, he went on to attend Fairfield University and the University of Bridgeport where he received a Master's in Education degree. He was a Social Studies teacher and class advisor at Rippowam High School and Stamford High School until his retirement in 1992. Bill loved being a teacher and especially the friendships that he made over the course of his career. He received the Connecticut Celebration of Excellence in Education award and traveled to Israel and Poland on a teaching fellowship to study the Holocaust.

The true joy of his life however was his family. In addition to his wife of nearly 48 years Rosemarie, Bill is survived by his son, Gregory and his wife Lauren, and his daughter, Anmarie Galgano. and her husband Tom. His grandchildren, Ryan Byrnes and Caty and Madeline Galgano were the light of his life, and they adored their Papa. Also surviving is Bill's sister Anna Byrnes, his nephews Patrick, Michael, Peter, William Hughes and a niece, Mary Parker and their families. He was predeceased by his brother Patrick and two sisters, Elizabeth and Rita.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, April 12 at St. Leo's Church, 24 Roxbury Rd., Stamford, CT. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Bill's name to The American Cancer Society: donor.cancer.org

Services entrusted to the Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home.