John J. Byrnes Iii

John J. Byrnes III, 67, went home to the Lord on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at the Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany, NY.

Born May 12, 1949 in Cambridge, NY, he was the son of the late John J. Byrnes Jr. and Jacquelyn Maier of Greenwich. He was of Irish descent.

John graduated high school in Glens Falls, but also attended St. Mary's Academy on Warren Street. His education continued at Adirondack Community College where he earned his Associates Degree in Journalism and History. After that, he continued 1 ½ years at SUNY of Albany. He spent his lifetime also studying Theology, a critical study of the nature of the Divine. He would spend countless hours at the library. He owned and operated a used book store for several years in Greenwich. John was an avid and informed writer and occasionally had his letters published in the Post Star newspaper.

John enlisted in the Army in 1969 and was deployed to Vietnam where he earned the Purple Heart medal, along with several other awards. He was combat-infantry, attached to the 11th Armored Calvary, Black Horse Division. John was a disabled combat-related veteran and, unfortunately, never stopped fighting that war until his death on December 17, 2016.

As a result of his own experiences in Vietnam and here after, John became an active advocate for other veterans throughout his entire life. In 1984, he gave an informed, detailed presentation to the NYS assembly (televised) on the treatment of Vietnam Veterans, their entitlement to benefits and Agent Orange related issues. He received a well-deserved standing ovation and things started happening for the better.

His involvement did not end there, but also included work at the VA Hospital in Albany and the DAV. In addition, he was an active lifetime member of the VFW Post 7291 in Greenwich, taking positions as Legislative Officer, Adjutant, Quartermaster and participated in the Color Guard. His determination, perseverance and success in helping his fellow veterans cannot be understated and we must document our abundance of gratitude for all he has done. In conclusion to this topic, John would be proud to say one last "WELCOME HOME" to all Vietnam Veterans.

Later in life, John's favorite times were spending his Saturdays on outings with his 12 year old son, Johnny. They enjoyed trips to Wilton, Glens Falls and the Lake George region. John also enjoyed participating in many years of activities with Johnny in Cub and Boy Scouts.

John's other interests included an on-going, in-depth study of the "One World Order," working with wood, playing acoustic guitar and football. In the 1970's, John played semi-pro football for the Adirondack Wings and Glens Falls Greenjackets. He favored the NY Giants NFL team.

In conclusion, John was a quiet, highly intelligent, thinking man, a wounded man and a caring man who spent much of his time in solitude. He touched so many lives in a profound way. He will be missed.

His brothers, Daniel Byrnes and Michael Byrnes; his sisters, Christine Williams and Dorthy Gatchell, predecease him.

Survivors include: his mother; his wife, Sheila Byrnes; one son, John J. Byrnes IV; a stepson, Bert C. Whidden of South Royalton, VT; a brother, Edward Byrnes and his wife Linda of Corinth; a sister, Tracey Byrnes of Schenectady; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A graveside service will be held for John in Greenwich Cemetery on May 12th, 2017 at 10 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory can be made to the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Fund, 1235 South Clark Street, Suite 910, Arlington, VA 22202 or online at vvmf.org.