Edward T. Byrnes, 91, of Neptune entered into eternal rest on May 17, 2021.
Born in Elizabeth, NJ, he graduated from St. Benedict’s Prep. in Newark, Seton Hall University (’55), and then received his M.A. (’57) and Ph.D. (’67) from New York University. He proudly served in the U.S. Army at Fort Sill in Oklahoma from 1951 to 1953.
Having an affinity for Medieval literature, Ed shared his wealth of knowledge with his students at Seton Hall University where he taught for 40 years, serving as Chair of the English Department for several years.
For over 30 years, Ed and his wife operated an antique business at the Red Bank Antique Center. He enjoyed chatting with customers and other antique dealers about a host of topics.
Beginning with his youth, watching the Central Railroad of N.J. in and around Elizabeth, Ed was a lifelong railfan and enjoyed visiting various historic railroads in the U.S. and U.K. In retirement, Ed’s interests branched out even further, encompassing airships, Civil War history, and other topics.
Ed was predeceased by his brother, Joseph, in 2014. He is survived by Elaine, his wife of 58 years, his son Richard, daughter-in-law Laura, and granddaughter Gillian.
Visiting will be on Monday, May 24, 2021 from 10am-11am at the O’Brien Funeral Home, 2028 Hwy 35, Wall. A prayer service will be conducted at 11am in the funeral home. Burial will follow at St. Anne’s Cemetery, Wall. As the current State Executive Order continues, facial masks are required for public indoor gatherings. Donations may be made in his name to Seton Hall University (shu.edu) or O & W Railway Historical Society (owrhs.org)
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