MELROSE — Charles J. Byrne (Charlie), 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on December 2. He was born and raised in Somerville by Rita and Charles C. Byrne. He graduated from St. Clement High School in Medford and Stonehill College.
Charlie taught social studies in the Malden Public School system for over forty years. He enjoyed educating students, playing and coaching basketball and baseball and officiating basketball and soccer. As an official, he was a member of the International Association Approved Basketball Officials, Inc (IAABO) and the Eastern Massachusetts Soccer Officials Association (EMSOA). For over 35 years his most treasured memories on the court were co-officiating beside his brother Jim.
He is predeceased by the love of his life, Patricia (Patsy Higgins) Byrne whom he married on December 22, 1967. He and Patsy’s strong work ethic and deep-rooted faith brought four children into this world, all born and raised in Melrose: Marianne Burke and her husband John; Michael and his wife Kristen; Charles (Chuck) and his wife Wendy; and Kathleen Camelio and her husband Robert (Bob). He is also survived by his 11 grandchildren: Christopher, Kaitlyn and Kevin Burke; Brody Byrne; Jarret, Conner, Liam and Kaiden Byrne; and Daniel, Justin and Emily Camelio. He reveled in observing, participating and coaching his grandchildren including nieces and nephews and sharing his advice and knowledge of the sport when they stepped into “his office.” His life revolved around his grandchildren, his family, especially his in-laws and many nieces and nephews. Charlie and Pat also loved getting together with many of their friends to share fun and laughter.
Charlie is survived by his caring brother-in-law, Raymond Snow and his loving brother James Byrne and his wife Kathy. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. Charlie is predeceased by his sister Mary E (Byrne) Snow.
Visitation will be held on Monday, December 11 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 12 at St. Mary’s Church, 4 Herbert St., Melrose. Interment to follow the mass at Wyoming Cemetery, 205 Sylvan St., Melrose. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to LaSalette Mission Center, 4650 South Broadway, St Louis, MO 63111-1398. To leave an online message of condolence please visit gatelyfh.com.