Joseph M. Byrne went home to his Heavenly family and beautiful wife on Monday, July 16, 2012. He was 86 years of age. Joseph was born in Melrose, on February 6, 1926 to the late Thomas & Margaret (McGonagle) Byrne. He was raised in Melrose, graduated from Melrose High School, Class of 1944, where he excelled in cross country running. Joseph served in the US Navy during WWII and after the war he went to Bentley Accounting School. Mr. Byrne worked as an auditor for the US Government in the Health Education Welfare Department for 30 years. He enjoyed watching sports, loved following politics, was an avid reader, like to dance, golf, play tennis, singing and yodeling. Joe was an active member at Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Wakefield, a member of the Holy Name Society and was a frequent visitor at the Carmelite Chapel in Peabody. Mr. Byrne was a dedicated husband and a wonderful caregiver to his wife Pat. Joseph was the beloved husband of 56 years to the late Patricia A. (Convery) Byrne. Loving father of J. Michael Byrne Jr. of Revere, Juliana M. Lemp of Newbury, Maria Hutchings, Patrice Wharem & her husband Dave Dutil, Timothy G. Byrne all of NH and Vincent R. Byrne & his wife Joanne of Saugus. Grandfather of Chris, Jamie, Meghan, Caitlin, Craig, Joe, Diana, Vanessa, Brittany & James. Great grandfather of Madison Rose, Daniel Joseph, Jonah, Adrienne, Owen, Will, Isaiah and Cambria. Brother of James "Donnie" Byrne of Woburn, Gerald Byrne of FL and the late Vincent, Thomas, Charles Byrne, Irene McMenimen, Margaret Healy and Barbara Larkin. Brother-in-law of Barbara & Raymond Carye, Mary Byrne & Terry Byrne. Also survived by numerous nieces & nephews. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Friday, July 20th at 9AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St. Wakefield at 10AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Thursday from 4:00-8:00PM. Interment at Puritan Lawn Cemetery in Peabody. Memorial contributions may be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 186 Highland Avenue Somerville, MA 02143.