Growing up in the old Bristol neighborhood which encompassed Wood Street south to Charles, Cottage, and Collins Street, had its distinct advantages. You could play ball in the streets and not worry about the few cars that were parked along the curbside during those days. You could, however, run into a mom and pop variety store to get a candy bar or ice cream cone. These were the 1950s, and life was easy.

It was also a time when neighborhood friends traded their treasured baseball cards or played hide-and-seek as the sun was setting in the west. Ahhh, the good old days.

Thankfully, the young kids I grew up with were a cast of characters, each having their own particular style and outlook on life. One of them was young Michael T. Byrnes.

The son of the late Constance (Campanella) and Thomas H. Byrnes, two very recognizable and well-respected citizens in town, young Michael began carving his own identifiable reputation in the community, first as a well-respected student at St. Mary’s School, and later, as an honor student at Colt Memorial High School and Providence College. He would marry the love of his life, Marie-Elena Fasano, in 1968, and raise three children, Christopher, Meredith, and Patrick.

Mike Byrnes’ military background was simply astonishing. Moving up through the ranks, first as an Artillery Officer in the U.S. Army, and then as Brigadier General in 1994 and selected for promotion to Major General in 1997. He retired from the U.S. Army in January 1998 after 30 years of service. He was the recipient of the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal.

One of General Byrnes’ major accomplishments was helping U.S. companies access the China market. He also lived and worked in China for more than 20 years and was active in community affairs and was a Board Member of a number of American business associations.

He returned to Bristol in 2008 and had been very involved in the community on a number of fronts. He was also honored to be named Patriotic Speaker of the Bristol Fourth of July Celebration in 2000.

In recent years, Mike Byrnes was the face of the very popular Bristol Motorcar Festival, an event he founded in 2015. He was also a member of the Bristol Downtown Merchants Association, Founding Member of 1SG P. Andrew McKenna Chapter of the Irish Veterans 2020, Bristol Spirit of Christmas Award recipient in 2017, and Co-Founder of Explore Bristol in 2012. And, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Said longtime friend Frank Caruso, “Mike was a high school classmate of mine, and as I remember, a very well-liked and caring individual. It is safe to say that we became closer after college as I learned about his achievements in the U.S. Army. Mike was a recipient of the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart medals awarded for heroism and valor as well as combat wounds says all you need to know about him. Since 1973, 50 years ago, there has not been a mandatory draft of eligible individuals but that was not the time Mike grew up in. Our generation faced mandatory service and Mike risked his life and limb in fulfilling his obligation to his country. Mike rising to the rank of Brigadier General was accomplished by his unselfish acts of heroism and leadership. The promotion to the rank of General is a reflection of his character valor and service. God Bless you Mike, you are admired, esteemed and missed.”

Also acknowledging his love and affection of this fallen war hero, was former Bristol resident and retired Barrington police officer, Bart Stanzione.

“I have known Mike since we were five years old and started 1st grade together at St. Mary's School all the way through the 9th grade,” he recalled. “From there he went to Colt High School and I went to De La Salle Academy in Newport. Growing up in our early years, between school and the fact that our back yards were about a two-minute walk away, we managed to spend a lot of time together along with a group of friends from our neighborhoods. Those years were spent playing sports against one another’s street teams, and in the 1950s the big thing going on was Robin Hood, Knights of the Round Table and that genre. So of course, his ‘gang’ and my ‘gang’ made shields, wooden swords and staffs and had some epic ‘battles.’”

He continued, “Beyond that, I had found that Mike was an intelligent, natural leader...easily the person who always had ideas regarding things that we could engage in doing. Also, a person who was a happy kid. Did not see any meanness in his makeup; determination to be the best in all activities, always giving his best to achieve his goals. Years passed, life goes on, and we go our own ways. Then a number of years later we meet again and rehash our young years and ask what we have done in our later years. I had heard that he was in the Army but did not know that he had achieved the rank of Brigadier General prior to retiring. As a former service man, I had some idea of what a person must complete, compete and endure to reach his rank. It just reinforced my memory of him as a young boy who had the determination to be his best at whatever he tried.”

Mr. Stanzione concluded, “I was lucky to spend time with Mike since we reconnected, and along with another original Bristolian, Bill (Rusty) Correia, who, when visiting from California, would go out for dinner and reminisce about our home town, as well as our tours of duty in the Army and Vietnam. Mike was a proud and devoted family man, a religious man, and a staunch advocate of duty, honor and America. We have lost a good man.”

The pouring of affection continued following his funeral Mass Monday at his beloved St. Mary’s Church. Mike Byrnes was a genuine as they come. He could get comical at times, but in most instances he talked straight from the hip. You always knew where stood with him. The town of Bristol has lost a real class act.