By Phil Foley
It is with great sadness that I report the passing of Robert Byrnes, a great and dedicated member of the Yonkers Police Department, but also a personal friend of mine. He was just 48 years old and had a great future in front of him. He will be surely missed.
Robert G. Byrnes was born on December 13, 1972 in the Bronx NY. Since 1977 Rob and his family have resided in Yonkers NY. Rob attended St. Paul the Apostle Grammar School and Archbishop Stepinac High School. He received an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College and a Masters Degree in Physical Education from Queens College.
Rob began his career as a police officer in 2000 with the MTA Police. In 2001 he joined the Rye Brook Police Department and in 2007 became a Yonkers Police Officer. He was promoted by the Yonkers PD to Sergeant in 2012.
Rob is survived by his wife Sheila (nee McGeough), parents Robert M. Byrnes and Kathleen Byrnes (nee Keane) , brother Raymond (Marilucci) and sister Valerie (David) Stozki. Adored uncle to 14 nieces and nephews. A cherished nephew to aunts and uncles and a loyal cousin to those both here in New York and in Ireland.
I reached out to Joseph Monaco the Chief of the of the Yonkers Police Department Investigations Bureau for his remembrance of Rob, He said “Rob was a gentleman and a “cops cop”. He always looked out for the officers in his command.and was the first one to step up if a brother or sister police officer needed help. I pray for Rob’s soul as well as for his family. There is a void in our department that can never be filled”.
Rob was a proud American and loved his Irish heritage, enjoyed visits to Ireland, especially County Mayo and Monaghan. Rob love jogging, boxing, painting, a good cup of coffee, decent slice of pizza and chatting with friends on McLean Avenue and helping souls in need.
Rob once said “I love my family, my friends, my neighboorhood, Yonkers, the Yonkers Police Department, the USA , Ireland and nature and all of its beauty.
“Sgt. Robert Byrnes will always be remembered by the Yonkers Police Department as being an exemplary professional. Having been his direct supervisor for many years he always displayed the essential qualities of fairness, intelligence, and compassion. He was respected by his peers and was a model officer to new recruits. His passing is a great loss to his family, friends, co-workers and the citizens of Yonkers who he proudly served with distinction,” said Lt. (Retired) Richard R. Ruyack Jr.
Memorial visitation will be held on Thursday June 24th from 3pm to 9pm at the Hodder-Farenga Funeral Home, 899 McLean Avenue, Yonkers NY 10704. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held on Friday June 25, 2021 at Saint Barnabas Church, Bronx NY. 12PM.
