Richard H. Byrne, 59

September 04, 2024

Richard H. Byrne, 59, of Aurora passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at Ascension Mercy Hospital, in Aurora, IL.

Born on October 4, 1964, in Lancaster, Pa., he was the son of the late John H. Byrne and the late Gloria M. (Eshleman) Byrne. He was united in marriage to Deborah (Walters) Byrne in St. Charles, IL, on September 11, 2010.

Following graduation from Central Penn College, Summerdale, PA. Rich was accepted into the FAA Air Traffic Control School in Oklahoma City, OK., graduating in 1986. He was assigned to Chicago Air Route Traffic Control Center in Aurora, faithfully serving until his retirement in 2014.

His skilled professionalism safely guided millions of passengers east through Chicago and west to Denver during his career, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues, one of whom who shared with Rich’s brothers, “He’s the real deal!”

In retirement Rich treasured time spent with his loving wife, Debbie, and they traveled far and wide across the United States, visiting his children and grandchildren and family and friends in Pennsylvania. He was an avid reader and enjoyed working on, and solving, puzzles. He was also an ardent fan of football, at all levels, and was a lifelong devotee of his beloved Philadelphia Eagles.

Affectionately known as “Richie Rich” to his Aurora family of friends, he was given the nickname “Jake” while a student at Sacred Heart School and Lancaster Catholic High School when friends discovered his grandfather’s name was Jacob. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father and friend to everyone who knew him.

Preceded in death by his father and mother, Rich is survived by his beloved wife, Deborah, his three children Michael T. Byrne (Simone), Toronto, Ont., Allison Q. Byrne, PhD, Tuscon, AZ, and Adam P. Byrne, Lititz, PA., three grandchildren, Arleigh Byrne, Ellis Byrne and Levi Burton and three step children, Kenneth Burton, Matthew Burton and Nathaniel Hough.

He is also survived by four brothers, John H. Byrne, Jr. (Anna), Peter H. Byrne (Ann) and David H. Byrne (Kelly), all of Lancaster, Pa and Peter Oess (Laine) of Pahrump, NV, and a multitude of nieces and nephews. Also surviving is his lifelong best friend, Tim Roschel, of Lancaster, Pa.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 2nd, at Loft 28 West, 28 W. New York St., Aurora, IL 60506, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., with a prayer service beginning at 1:30 p.m. There will be no local services.