George Harry Byrne

Obituary for George Harry Byrne George Harry Byrne passed away peacefully at the age of 98 on May 23, 2026. Harry lived a full, active, and rewarding life. Harry grew up in the Bronx and Brewster, New York. After graduating high school, he joined the National Guard. Following his military service in the Army, he attended Stevens Institute of Technology, where he earned a degree in engineering and later obtained his Professional Engineer (P.E.) license. Harry then began his 36-year career with Maxwell House in Hoboken as an engineering manager for the Maxwell House Plant. In 1961, he married his beloved wife, Gerry, and together they lived in Oradell, New Jersey, where they lived for nearly 60 years while raising their two children and celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. Harry loved the outdoors and traveled throughout the country with his family, camping and hiking in many of America's national parks. He was also a dedicated volunteer coach for Oradell Little League and founded the Oradell Girls Softball League in the late 1970s, providing opportunities for girls to play organized softball at a time when only Little League baseball was available. After retirement, Harry embraced new challenges as a triathlete and biathlete, competing in races throughout the tri-state area. He and Gerry were also fortunate to travel extensively around the world. Together, they devoted much of their retirement to volunteer service, focusing on environmental conservation, hiking trail maintenance with the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, and birding through the Bergen County Audubon Society. Harry remained active throughout his life and especially enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren. He was grateful to travel and meet his newest great-granddaughter just a few weeks before his passing. Harry is survived by his daughter, Kim Novak; her spouse Bill Novak, his son, Chris Byrne and spouse Kris Geiger, his grandchildren, Will and Jessica Novak, and Owen and Devin Byrne; and his great-granddaughters, Willow and Daisy Novak. Those wishing to honor Harry's memory are invited to make a donation, in lieu of flowers, to the Bergen County Audubon Society