Brian William Byrnes, 48, of Brooklyn, N.Y., passed away peacefully in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on November 5, 2025.

He bounced into Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, for the first time on January 5, 1977. He spent his early years finessing a lifelong love for everything New York, attending Our Lady of Angels grammar school, then moving on to LaSalle Academy High School. Lowens Pharmacy became his main outpost for a while, offering him a firm anchor with the neighbors and neighborhood. He eventually served his favorite city as an 18-year employee of the N.Y. Dept. of Sanitation.

Brian was a big guy, with a heart to match. He'd dress as Santa, take pictures with the Lowens locals, would turn scarlet from laughing so hard, and could crack ribs with his mighty hugs. He'd bristle if you said anything bad about his hometown teams, the Giants and the Mets.

Brian honored his Irish heritage as a member of the Emerald Society and the Holy Name Society, while the Thomas Dongan Council #1251 of the Knights of Columbus also figured prominently in his life. In a more secular vein, Brian loved his cars—he'd won several car-show trophies with his dream Ford SRT-10, but his pride and joy was his cherished 95 Impala SS. Impulsive road trips made him happy, as did driving. Anywhere, anytime.

Lately, though, his happy place was on the Fort Lauderdale beach, beer in hand at the tiki bar.  While he never veered from his New York roots, he considered Lauderdale his home away from home. Throughout the years, he'd vacationed there annually with his best friend, Robbie Keirs, and countless other pals. Brian had hoped to retire to Lauderdale and drive the sand cleaner on the beach. That was the plan.

Brian was predeceased by his parents, James and Patricia Byrnes, and his sister, Kerianne Zilberfarb (Byrnes).  He is survived by his wife, Kelly, who he married in 2015; sisters Karyn (Matthew) Yucha and Megan Byrnes; and nephews and nieces Kristen, James, Dylan, Diana and Shay. His in-laws include Thomas, Kathleen, Caitlin and Meghan. He also leaves behind numerous life-long friends, neighbors and co-workers.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send donations in Brian's memory to the Knights of Columbus.

Checks should be made out to:
Thomas Dongan K of C #1251

Mail to:
ATTN: Grand Knight Peter DeNicola
8122 5 Ave.
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11209.


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Visitation Hours
Sunday, November 16, 2025
2 PM - 6 PM

Clavin Funeral Home
7722 4th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11209
Complimentary Valet Parking Available

Funeral Mass
Monday, November 17, 2025
10:15 AM
- CLICK HERE FOR FUNERAL MASS LIVESTREAM -

Our Lady of Angels Church
7320 4th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11209