Obituary of Robert William Byrnes

Robert William “Bob” Byrnes, 77, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025, at Morristown Memorial Hospital.

Born in Morristown, New Jersey, Bob was the beloved son of the late Robert S. Byrnes and Mary L. (Benz) Byrnes. A lifelong resident of Morris County, he dedicated his life to education, athletics, and service to his community.

Bob earned his Bachelor’s degree from Newark State College and later his Master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He served as an English teacher for Dover High School for 33 years, where he influenced generations of students before retiring in 2005.

In addition to his teaching career, Bob was deeply involved in track and field. Bob coached track and field and cross country at Dover High School and Morris Catholic, however his passion was officiating those sports. Bob's efforts earned him 2 NJ Scholastic Officials Association awards: Official of the Year for Northwest Chapter, 2022; and Distinguished Service Award in 2024. He also worked long and hard to keep alive the venerable New Jersey Catholic Track Conference.

Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Sherri L. (Ackerman) Byrnes of Denville, New Jersey. He is also survived by his loving siblings: Glenn Byrnes and his wife Doreen of Morris Plains, New Jersey; Jean Ziegler and her husband Charles of North Wales, Pennsylvania; and Susan Lesczynski and her husband Paul of Denville, New Jersey. Bob will be fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Public visitation will be held on Sunday, December 28, from 12:00 to 4:00 PM at Norman Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue Denville, NJ 07834, www.normandean.com.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 29, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 15 Myers Avenue, Denville, New Jersey. A procession will follow to Denville Cemetery for a graveside service.

Bob’s legacy lives on through the countless students, athletes, and officials he guided with wisdom, fairness, and kindness. A tribute to Bob and his officiating career written by long-time New Jersey track and field sports journalist Jim Lambert can be viewed at nj.milesplit.com. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.