William E. Byrne

Mass of Christian Burial Livestream

William E. Byrne of Girardville passed away on October 24th, 2025. Bill was one of ten children of the former Kathleen Kelly and Jeremiah Byrne. Born in Brownsville, he graduated from West Mahanoy Township High School in 1942. After being employed as an anthracite coal inspector at various coal mining operations for over 20 years, he was employed for 23 years at the US Post Office in Ashland, PA. He retired in 1990.

Bill was an Army Veteran of World War II, having served from November of 1943 through January of 1947 in both the European and Far Eastern theaters of operation. He was honorably discharged in 1947 as a Tech Sergeant while serving in the 11 Airborne Division in Northern Japan. Bill was the recipient of two bronze service stars.

Active in the Knights of Columbus, Bill served as Grand Knight of the Father Sheridan Council and Faithful Navigator of the Schuylkill Assembly for the 4th Degree. He also served as a District Deputy for the K of C and received the God and Country Award in 1978.

He was a member of St. Josephs Parish in Girardville, where he served as a lector and Eucharistic Minister. He was also a server and Eucharistic Minister at the Seton Manor Nursing Facility for many years. He was a member of the Fountain Springs Country Club.

Bill's wife of 59 years, the former Nora Maley, passed away in September of 2010. In addition to his wife, Bill was preceded in death by brothers James, John, Jeremiah, Paul and David, and sisters Kathryn Dougherty, Ann Bramley and Margaret Devanney.

He is survived by two sons, Dr. William C. and his wife Dr. Dolores of Holland PA, and Robert J. and his wife Rebecca of Des Peres MO. He is blessed with five grandchildren Jacqueline Rooke (husband Thomas), William (BJ) Byrne, Austin (wife Hannah), Spencer and Grant Byrne. Bill also has four great grandchildren, Maley, George and Henry Rooke, and Nora Byrne. He is also survived by his brother Vincent of Mascoutah IL.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 30th at 11 a.m. from St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church, Girardville with Msgr. Edward Coyle as the celebrant. Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing at the church on Thursday morning from 9:30 a.m. until the time of mass. Interment with military honors will be held in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Fountain Springs.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made, in Bill's name, to Saint Charles Borromeo Parish at 1115 Walnut St. Ashland, PA 17921.

Sign the guest book, leave personal condolences and for further information please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com

Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Girardville, is in charge of arrangements.