Contributions to the tribute of Governor Brendan Thomas Byrne, Sr. ...

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Wadette Paliz posted a condolence

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

As I read your expressions it is clear to see, this is not the life that God intended to be. In the beginning, life of man was meant to last, but with the sinning of our first parents that soon came to past. As much as it hurts by the loss of a loved one. God promises to give us all another run. In the Bible, it comforts and strengthen as He speak of a resurrection soon to come. (Acts 24:15) My deepest condolences on your loss.

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Joan Detyna lit a candle

Sunday, January 14, 2018

My sincere condolences to your wonderful family. I came to NJ in the 1980’s and immediately fell in love with the Pine Barrens. At that time, I knew little of Governor Byrne, nor of his many accomplishments (which of course include preservation of the Pine Barrens). A few years ago, together with about 1,000 other people, I heard him speak at Princeton. I was in awe! What a courageous, incredible man of integrity, unafraid to do what was right! I went on to read his biography – more awe! We have lost such a rare man and an important leader. I wish there were many more like him.

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SID MORGINSTIN posted a condolence

Monday, January 8, 2018

I have fond memories of Gov. Byrne. A story if I may: I worked in his first run for Governor. I ran the printing room -- doing all of the in house "labor donated" printing, My office was directly opposite the State Democratic Committee's office. We often had fierce "rubber band wars." You could not walk by without getting hit with a rubber band. One time, Brendan Byrne was hit. He laughed it off. I have a photo of me with Gov. Byrne standing next to the offset printer on my dresser to this date. I will never remove it. A year or so after he was in office my sister and her daughter visited from Israel.I arranged for them and my parents to visit the governor and get a photo taken They still remember the visit. My mother was so happy that she met a Governor. We need political leader like Brendan today. Doing what they think is best for all - and putting aside political considerations. MAY HIS MEMORY BE FOR A BLESSING.

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Timothy E Ryan posted a condolence

Sunday, January 7, 2018

Gov Byrne was an inspiration and a role model for anyone interested in entering the political arena. A fine gentleman loving father and grandfather. Denise and I send our deepest condolences to our dear friend Nancy Byrne and her entire family Tim & Denise Ryan and staff of the Ryan Funeral Homes.

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Benjamin Del Vento posted a condolence

Saturday, January 6, 2018

I was so fortunate to have served as an assistant prosecutor under Brendan. It is one of the highlights of my career. He taught me so much with humility and humor. Most of all, I will always cherish the friendship that we shared for more than fifty years. Rest In Peace , Brendan. You will always be in my prayers. With all my love, Ben Del Vento

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Marilyn Berry Thompson posted a condolence

Saturday, January 6, 2018

Brendan Byrne did more thasn anyone to shape much of my life and career. There were so many things he achieved in Washington at the federal and national level that never received the recognition or credit they deserved -- from the National Urban Policy and Windfall Profits Tax, both of which brought millions of dollars of support to New Jersey citizens and projects, leading the Democratic Governors, creating the Coalition of Northeastern Governors, playing leadership roles in the National governors, and on and on. He played such a role in bringing Jimmy Carter to the White House, and givingme an opportunity too to work there for a time. He believed in Carter from the very beginning. He was often at the White House, in the oval, in the Cabinet Room, the Roosevelt Room for meetings and out ini front of the West Wing fighting for good things to come into being. But beyond all that Brendan knew how to be a rreal friend, he understood and taught others about loyalty and the real meaning of friendship. I sent him red roses every year on April 1 since the late 1970's and he always wrote a note back, copies of which I have kept these many years. He was the one that insisted that I keep my maiden name as part of my married name. He put the "b" in the "mbt" which he often called me. It was such an honor to work for him and count him friend as well. Always, Marilyn "mbt"

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Andy Smith, Freehold NJ posted a condolence

Saturday, January 6, 2018

Dan O' Hern first introduced me to him at a political event. He was someone whom I often met. When I was a young lawyer, he asked to appear on TV with him to comment on a probate bill that he had just signed. Another time, he got me and my wife tickets to see Jimmy Carter welcome the Pope John Paul at the White House. I introduced my Irish born father to him at a political event. He took Dad aside and spent a half hour or so exchanging stories with him about Ireland. Shortly before his term as governor ended, he appointed me as a judge. The Governor was always very kind and generous to me, even though he owed absolutely nothing politically. I would from time to time run into him. He always had an amusing story and his wonderful self-deprecating wit. May the angels guide him into Paradise and God keep him in the palm of His Hand. God Bless you Brendan Andy Smith, Retired Supervising Judge, New Jersey Workers Compensation Court

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Melanie Willoughby posted a condolence

Friday, January 5, 2018

Governor Brendan Byrne was a visionary leader, a strong force for doing the right thing even when it was unpopular. He led the State of New Jersey through many rough years and accomplished so much for the growth and improvement of our State. He did it with a sense of humor, dedication, a strong sense of ethics and commitment to the State being a better place for its citizens. I had the honor and privilege of working in his administration, starting my career in the NJ Department of Community Affairs. It was the very best opportunity for a young political neophyte to learn about the values and ethics of government service in an administration that was devoted to it. Governor Byrne gave me that chance and I will always be grateful to him. I am truly saddened that our State has lost our true New Jersey Treasure.

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The family of Governor Brendan Thomas Byrne, Sr. uploaded a photo

Thursday, January 4, 2018

Governor Brendan Thomas Byrne, Sr.

1924 - 2018

Plant a tree in memory of Governor Brendan