Robert Byrne Obituary

Robert Stephen Byrne, Jr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, and mentor, passed away on March 6, 2025, at the age of 72. Born on January 8, 1953, Bob ("Bobby" to his siblings and "Baba" to his grandchildren) lived a life defined by dedication to family, passion for his hobbies and an unwavering commitment to the people and pursuits he loved.
An actuary by trade, Bob was a driving force at Kwasha Lipton, where he became the youngest partner in the firm's history and, at 42 years old, its youngest CEO. He was devoted to his firm and his colleagues. After the firm was acquired, he continued his career as an actuarial consultant until 2023, never losing his love for the work that challenged and inspired him.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bob's legacy included the impact he made as a Ridgewood youth baseball, softball, and basketball coach for more than 30 years. A legend on the sidelines, he was known for his booming voice, boundless enthusiasm, and signature coaching attire: Converse sneakers, Nantucket red shorts and a hooded sweatshirt. He coached with passion, guiding his teams to success while positively impacting the lives of countless young athletes.
A devoted sports fan, Bob rooted for the Mets, Georgia Tech, Giants and Knicks, sharing his love of the game with family and friends. In his spare time, he found joy in advanced mathematics, reading (history, sports and Jack Kerouac being favorites) and gambling theory - true testaments to his sharp mind and endless curiosity.
Above all, Bob was deeply devoted to his family. His greatest love was his wife, Lynn, whom he met in the eighth grade and cherished for more than 50 years of marriage. He is predeceased by his beloved son, Patrick, and is survived by his wife, Lynn; his children: Peter (Katie), Elizabeth (Tom), Joseph, Cooper (Jackie), Colby and Matthew; and his grandchildren: Sophia, Jack, Madeline, Finley, William, and Charlotte. He is also survived by his loving brothers (James, Thomas, and Michael), sister (Susan), their spouses, and his many nieces and nephews and their children.
Bob was a man whose life was as joyous as his energy was contagious and his values were grounded. His quiet, Buddha-like wisdom touched and inspired many. His casual manner, cheerful disposition, authenticity, and focused interests made him an easy man to know. His ability to love others freely and unconditionally made him an easy man to love.
Family will have visitation on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 2pm – 6pm, at Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 10am at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Mt. Carmel, 1 Passaic St., Ridgewood, NJ. The interment will follow at Valleau Cemetery in Ridgewood.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to Covenant House of New Jersey, 330 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07102.