Raymond Joseph Byrd

Ray was born October 22, 1924 in Queens, NY to John and Lillian (Martin) Byrd. After high school, he attended the Unites States Merchant Marine Academy and graduated in April 1944. He proudly served his country as an engineer during World War II, and was honorably discharged in October 1954.

He wed Eileen M. Higgins on April 16, 1944. Settling first in Hicksville, NY and then Monroe, CT, they raised six children. Ray worked in various aspects of the food and beverage industry for most of his career. He enjoyed gardening, home improvement projects and all kinds of music. Ray was also very active in the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic-based fraternal benefit society. He became a Grand Knight of the local council, and a member of the society’s Fourth Degree Assembly, where he received the honor of the Patriotic Degree. This achievement earned him the honorable title, “Sir Knight.”

Ray is survived by his children Jeanne (William) Skinner, Michael (Crystal Watson), Theresa (Phillip) Humphreys, and Elizabeth Byrd, his god-daughter Margaretta (Peggy) Holland, twelve grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Lillian; his brother, Owen Patrick; his wife Eileen (Higgins); and daughters Patricia (Beers) and Barbara (Mihalik).

The family would like to express their gratitude to Ray’s caregiver, Yvonne Pinnock. Mrs. Pinnock cared for Ray from 2013 until his death.

For memorial contributions, the family has designated the Medical Foster Care program. Checks may be made payable to West Palm VA Medical Center (VAMC) Medical Foster Care Program and mailed in care of Betsy Byrd, P.O. Box 238, Mesa, AZ 85211.

A funeral Mass for Raymond will be held on Friday, June 15, 2018 at 10:00am at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2330 SE Mariposa Avenue, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952. There will be a private graveside service and military funeral honors ceremony at the Florida National Cemetery later that day.