Richard Byrne

Richard D. Byrne, 83, of Peoria, IL, formerly of Bartonville, IL and Winter Springs, FL, passed away Friday, February 8, 2019 in Farmington, IL surrounded by his wife and son. 

He was born on October 5, 1935 in Peoria, Illinois to Oran “Buss” and Lucille (Borgra) Byrne. He married Ruth (Wilson) Griffith on October 30, 1965 in Peoria, Illinois. He was preceded in death by one brother, Bobby, and one sister, Mary Ellen. 

Surviving are his wife, Ruth Ann Byrne; two daughters, Beth (Paul) Breig of Tavares, Florida and Debbie (MIke) Hall of Winter Springs, Florida; one son, Rick (Sheri) Byrne of Peoria, Illinois; eleven grandchildren, Shane, Brianna, Brittany, Bristen, Stephanie, Jackie, Megan, Michaela, Zach, Cody and Janet; six great grandchildren, Johnathon, MacKenzie, Madelyn, Paul, Arya, and Beau (Mister); three sisters, Sue (Chuck) Woolley of Peoria, Illinois, Carol (Hank) Kellington of Mapleton, Illinois, and Patti (Chuck) Kluenie of Summerfield, Florida; and several nieces and nephews. 

Dick served in the U.S. Army as a Staff Sergeant from 1958-60. He graduated from Manual Highschool, Class of 1953. He worked as an electrician at Keystone Steel & Wire as well as Zaborac Electric for a number of years before starting Byrne Electric until the 1980’s. He loved to play baseball, softball, golf and bowl. He was an avid member of the Peoria Lion’s Club and Elk’s Club for many years. 

A move to the Orlando, Florida area began his time as a Fire & Security Alarm electrician where he started ESS, Inc. until retirement. His final years were spent back in Peoria working a few hours every morning at Grandpa John’s Rib Shack, attending Northwoods Community Church, enjoying a daily walk, talking with friends, sitting on the back deck with his 2 labrador buddies, and playing a nightly game of online poker with his wife. He loved Jesus, his family & friends, St. Louis Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, and the Florida Gators. The family would like to thank the many loving and caring staff of the Peoria VA Clinic, OSF Hospice, and Farmington Country Manor.

To honor Richard’s request, cremation rites have been accorded and no services are scheduled. Memorials may be made in his name to IVC Campus Life at Youth for Christ, 4100 N. Brandywine Dr., Peoria, IL, 61614.  To share a memory or send a condolence for his family, visit www.peoriafuneral.com.

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