Lt. Col. Vincent F. Byrnes, Jr., a proud veteran and career US Army Officer, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026. Vince, a longtime resident of Willingboro, New Jersey, was born in Roselle, New Jersey, on October 25, 1928, to Vincent F. and Emily (Oesterheld) Byrnes. Vince graduated from Abraham Clark High School in Roselle in 1946 and enlisted in the US Army for three years, serving much of that time at Fort Richardson near Anchorage, Alaska. Upon discharge from the Army in 1949, he took advantage of the GI Bill and attended Seton Hall University, graduating in 1953. He served in the ROTC program and was a leader in the Pershing Rifles and Whiskey Company while in college. He was commissioned as an officer in 1953, where he served in the US Army until his retirement in February 1973 as a Lieutenant Colonel. His military career included a tour in Korea during the conflict there and two tours in Vietnam. He also was stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, Ft. Dix, New Jersey, Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, and in Hamburg, Germany, to name a few of his postings. Vince served his country proudly with honor and dignity and received a variety of medals and commendations including the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Bronze Star, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and service medals for service ranging from World War II to Vietnam.

Following his career in the Army, Vince worked for Monmouth College (now Monmouth University) for 20 years as an administrator in their branch MBA programs across South Jersey, based at Ft. Dix. He loved bringing knowledge and education to others and was well equipped to oversee all components of satellite programs to support veterans and other professionals in their career development.

Vince was a committed Roman Catholic and brought his faith as a core value to all he did. He was involved with several community activities, mostly especially at his long-time parish of Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Willingboro, NJ, where he served as an usher, as founding chair of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and as a weekend “counter.” He was a life member of the National Rifle Association and was active with the Willingboro Township Republican Committee. For five years he was a member of the Veterans Services Council of the State of New Jersey. He was also a member of the Military Officers Association of America and its Lakes & Pines chapter at Fort Dix. He was an enthusiastic and capable member of the parish Friday Night Bowling League until his 90th birthday in 2018. Vince was also a 50+ year member of the W A Cortright Jr, Post 115 of the American Legion in Beverly, New Jersey, where he served as Post Commander and as the coordinator of the Beverly Memorial Day Parade for many years, which honors those who gave their lives for love of this country and the values that the United States stands for.

​These activities brought him joy and satisfaction throughout his long life. Vincent was a devoted husband to his wife of 66 years, Betty Jean (Buck) Byrnes, who predeceased him in 2022. They were married in Hawaii in 1955, following his tour in Korea, and have three children: William F. Byrnes (Beth Byrnes), Ann Marie Byrnes (Tom Hartman), and Kathleen J. Byrnes (John Immerwahr). Vince is predeceased by his sister Ruth (Byrnes) Seale (William Seale) and his brother Eugene William Byrnes (Doris Byrnes). He is survived by several nieces and nephews.

A viewing will take place at the Goes - Scolieri Funeral Home, 212 Veterans Parkway, Willingboro, NJ, (609)871-1000, on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 11 South Sunset Road,  Willingboro, NJ. Interment at the Jesus, Bread of Life Cemetery in Mount Laurel, NJ, will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite veteran’s charity or to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at Corpus Christi Church, 63 Sylvan Lane, Willingboro, NJ 08046 in his memory.