Timothy J. Byrnes

Tim was the ultimate family man, everyone's rock, and quite literally everyone's best friend. He was the person who always answered the phone when you called, texted you back the second you needed to talk, and made sure you knew you were important to him. If you were in his life, you were family, and he cared for you fiercely. Tim shared a uniquely close, deeply special relationship with each of his children and poured absolutely everything into being there for them. He loved his kids more than words can say, and nothing made him prouder or more excited than being a grandpa. He was always there; he was never ever too busy, and you were always his highest priority.

Tim was a beloved husband to Beth; a proud and loving father to Samantha (Dean), Tori, and Aiden; and a treasured grandfather to Mason and a grandson on the way. He was also a loving brother to Billy, Maureen, and Judi, as well as a beloved uncle, father-in-law, son-in-law, nephew, friend and a source of unmatched strength and laughter.

While he leaves behind a distinguished career of public service—proudly retiring as a Lieutenant with the NYPD, serving as an Assistant State Attorney in Tampa, and working as an attorney for the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office—Tim's true life's work was the joy he created with his family. He was a man of immense courage, having been a first responder at the World Trade Center following September 11, 2001.

But it was his everyday passions and the individual moments he shared with his loved ones that made him truly unforgettable. Though he lived in Florida, he would fly up to New York every single month just to spend the weekend with his grandson Mason, and Samantha and Dean—laughing off the fact that his flight was seemingly always delayed. He was happiest when he was mapping out future trips to Key West with his wife, Beth, or out playing catch with Tori. He loved sharing his favorite things with his son, whether watching the New York Islanders or settling in with Aiden to watch Rocky and Cobra Kai. A lifelong rock music fan and an accomplished drummer, Tim firmly believed he could outplay even the most famous drummers in the world—a claim he would defend with a giant grin.

To have known Tim was a gift, but to have been his wife, his child, his grandchild, or his friend was the ultimate blessing. He was always there for us, and he will never be forgotten.