Obituary of Robert L Byrnes

Robert L Byrnes, Jr., age 65 of Pottersville, NJ, passed away peacefully with his husband at his side on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at Morristown Memorial Hospital in Morristown, NJ after a brief illness.

Born in Natick, Massachusetts, he spent his early childhood living in Framingham, MA.    The family moved to East Windsor, New Jersey in 1970.   Rob also lived in several counties in eastern Pennsylvania, and in Roebling, NJ before moving to a beautiful Victorian home in Pottersville, New Jersey one and a half years ago. 

Rob graduated from Hightstown High School and Mercer County Community College.   He served 3 years as a Military Policeman in the US Army at Ft Dix, NJ.   He was a Technical Assistant for the Department of Taxation for the State of New Jersey before retiring in 2021.  A kind and gentle soul to colleagues and coworkers who left him with a gift that read “you are my favorite hello and my hardest goodbye”. 

For the past 30 years Rob had been a Rose Hybridizer and belonged to the Rose Hybridizers Association where he is respected for his brilliant work. His focus was in cross-breeding roses by studying which plants were disease resistant. He created hardy roses that survive in colder climates while finding beautiful colors, fragrances and styles. Astonishing to all who watched his process.  His creations live on with family, association members and with friends who admire his work. It was his passion and looked forward to spending more hours researching and developing beautiful roses. His work will live on!

Rob will always be remembered as a gentle loving man, devoted to friends and family. A beautiful man with integrity, compassion, and a warm presence.  He will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.

Rob is survived by his husband, Al Bola, his children, Nikko, Dimitri and Melina Bola, his brothers, Fredrick and Timothy Byrnes and his sisters Karen Meisberger, Tara Lynne Richmond, Dawna Spiezio, and Lyndsey Byrnes and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by his beloved dogs, Kane and Theo.   Rob was predeceased by his parents Robert L and Sherrill (White) Byrnes and a sister, Lynne Byrnes.

A life celebration for Rob will be held on Oct. 29^th, 11:00 AM, at the family home in Pottersville, NJ.  For the address & details, please RSVP to Rob_CoL_event@yahoo.com  - All extended friends/family are welcome.