John W. Byrne, of Edison, research chemist, beloved husband, brother and uncle, good friend, and collector of coins, stamps, and special experiences, passed away on August 9 ^th , 2022, at Jersey Shore Hospital in Neptune a week after serious heart surgery.    He was surrounded by several members of his extensive family and thought of in prayer by the rest of his family, his wonderful friends and colleagues.

John was born in Jersey City, NJ, to John N. and Audrey H. Byrne, now deceased.   He is loved by his siblings:  Andrew Byrne and his wife Missy, Kathleen Byrne McCabe and her husband Kevin, Steve Byrne and his wife Samantha, Eileen Byrne Buente and her husband Stephen, Gregory Byrne and his wife Linda, and his sister-in-law Judy Young and her husband Dennis, and sister-in-law Nora Masin and her husband Jerry.    John was uncle to 25 nieces and nephews, 21 greats, and 1 great great.  John was godfather to five.  John's wife Susan Mansfield Byrne, was his partner in love, travel, adventure, theater, skiing, hiking, kayaking, dining, spending time with friends and binging on TV series. John supported Susan's school in many ways and the staff was fond of him.     John loved the beach and the mountains equally.    He treasured the annual Byrne clan gathering in Duck, NC, every July and equally loved skiing or relaxing at the house in Vermont.   John and Susan were avid travelers, taking turns on destination choices.  Together they were blessed to enjoy a very rich life and they were appreciative of and grateful for their relationship and their many joys and adventures.

John earned a BS in Chemistry from Penn State University, graduating Phi Beta Kappa. He was a proud alumnus.   His graduate work was at Harvard University where he earned his Ph.D.  John began his career in 1976 as a Research Scientist at the Engelhard Corporation laboratory where he initially worked on novel catalysts for the catalytic cracking of gasoil into gasoline.  There he invented the first catalyst to cut sulfur oxide pollution from a commercial catalytic cracking unit by over 80%.    Later, he invented the first commercially viable pollution control catalyst for the reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions.   He concluded his career in 2015 at BASF Corp. as a Senior Research Associate leading all R&D to develop novel biocides based on a proprietary BASF chemistry.  He is an inventor on 10 US Patents.

John also cherished his professional associations outside of the laboratory.  For over 40 years he served as Treasurer of the Catalysis Society of Metropolitan New York and more recently as a Director.  He was active in many roles in the Catalysis Society, most recently serving on the committee organizing The 27th North American Catalysis Society Meeting in New York City.   Despite his illness, he was able to attend NAM 27 and enjoyed every minute of his time with 1400 chemists gathered from around the world.

John was a kind and good man, often described by friends and colleagues as one of the nicest and most positive people they knew.  He made the world a better place.  He will be dearly missed.

Friends may call at the Flynn and Son Funeral Home, 23 Ford Ave., Fords, NJ on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm and 6:00pm – 8:00pm, and on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 from 10:00am until time of services at 11:00am.  Cremation will take place privately.

In consideration of health precautions for all concerned the family is requesting that masks be worn while in attendance at the visitation and services.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Heart Association, Doctors without Borders, Penn State Eberly College of Science, or the charity or school of your choice.