John B. "Skip" Byrne III passed away Friday, March 19, 2021, at age 87. Born in Michigan, he resided in the Midwest and New England before retiring to Florida. He was a graduate of Detroit Jesuit High School and the University of Detroit (Mercy). John became a certified public accountant and worked as an accountant, controller, and vice president of finance at Arthur Anderson, General Mills, First Equity, Barnes Engineering and other companies, and continued in retirement as an investment counselor at Raymond James.

He was predeceased by his father, John B. Byrne, Jr., mother Margaret, sister Janyce, former wife Barbara, and daughter Jennifer. He is survived by his former wife Martha, daughter Julia (Norm), and three grandchildren.

John's lifelong passion was aviation. He obtained his private pilot's license in 1966, and subsequent instrument, multi-engine and commercial ratings. He flew primarily in the Midwest and East Coast in his beloved V-tail Bonanza, with memorable trips to Oshkosh, Quebec City, New Orleans, Nantucket, and in Australia. He donated sightseeing trips over New York City for charitable fundraising, and was a longtime member of aviation groups AOPA and the International Order of Characters. His favorite Saturdays were spent shooting touch-and-goes with the kids and beloved golden retriever, or in quest of the "$50 hamburger", or just "hangar flying".

John was also an avid sailor, and skied all over the world, from Chamonix to Lake Tahoe, Banff, Colorado, Utah and New Zealand. His USTA senior tennis team competed in state and national level tournaments. His business trips took him to Europe, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Singapore. His favorite vacations included two weeks in Alaska, and two weeks renting a cottage in Ireland to spend time with his grandchildren.

John was active in the community, sharing his financial expertise on charitable boards, including Abilities Foundation and the Lake Seminole Square residents' advisory council. He served as a Stamford CT Police Commissioner, and sang in the choir at St. John Vianney Church.

John lived an amazing life, and saw every day as a blessing. He was thankful for his opportunities in life and tried to give back by supporting his community and family. He remained close with his cousins and extended family, and was a loyal friend and mentor. He will be greatly missed.

John will be buried with his family in Michigan, where a memorial service is being planned.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Abilities Foundation, Inc., in Clearwater or Detroit Jesuit High School in Detroit.