James J. Byrnes

Former East Northport resident James J. Byrnes, M.D., of Boca Raton, Fla., died Sunday, July 21, 2013, in Delray Beach, Fla., at the age of 61.

The son of Virginia and Edward Byrnes of Laurel, Dr. Byrnes grew up in East Northport and graduated from Holy Family High School in South Huntington and Villanova (Pa.) University. He received his medical degree from the University of Italy in Modena.

He was chief of staff at Bethesda Hospital in Boynton Beach, Fla., chairman of the Bethesda Hospital Foundation and the Palm Beach Medical Society and president of the Bethesda Hospital staff. He was well known in the South Florida community for his work with medical students at the University of Miami and received many awards for his contributions to the community. He was also a former member of the Commack Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

Dr. Byrnes is survived by his mother, of Laurel, and brothers, Jack (Laurie), of East Northport, Richard, of Brightwaters and Tom (Karen), of Fort Worth, Texas. He was adored by his nieces and nephews, Megan, Timothy, Brian, Lauren and Emilee. He was predeceased by his father.

The family will receive visitors at Coster-Heppner Funeral Home in Cutchogue Saturday, July 27, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held Thursday, July 25, in Boynton Beach.

Memorial donations may be made to the Bethesda Hospital Foundation, 2815 South Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach, FL 33435.

This is a paid notice.