Jerry David Byrne, 85, of Largo, FL passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at Mid Pinellas Care Center (Woodside) in Pinellas Park under the care of Suncoast Hopice.

Jerry was born in the Germantown area of Manhattan on November 16th, 1929, shortly after the stock market crash that same year. His childhood was spent in Staten Island with his single mother, Marion, and extended family. An influential portion of his life was spent in the Catholic orphanage, Saint Michael’s, while his mother was hospitalized. The discipline and structure of the orphanage prepared him for adulthood while exposing him to a diverse group of orphans of various ethnic backgrounds, something that would serve him well later in life.

In September 1950, Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Army where he trained as a paratrooper and in demolitions. He spent time at the Atomic Proving Grounds in Nevada, performing weapons testing where he and fellow troops were exposed to high levels of radiation. Additional time was spent at the U.S. military training facility in Regensburg, Germany. Jerry’s military training was put to the test when he was deployed to Korea as a demolitions specialist. His missions included parachuting on enemy territory to sever communication lines and set explosives. His work in Korea earned him a National Defense Service Medal.

Jerry returned to Staten Island in 1953 after three years of military service. He had two children during his first marriage and enlisted with the New York City Police Department. Jerry quickly climbed the ranks of the NYPD, eventually becoming a detective specializing in fingerprinting in the licensing division of Consumer Affairs.

For over 20 years at the NYPD, he crossed paths with the biggest stars and most influential people in New York City. The 1960s and 1970s were a period of social change and influential organized crime. Jerry’s humble beginnings and diverse upbringing helped him navigate the challenges that came with being a detective in New York City at that time. He was by nature a calm person who believed in fairness and that everyone should be treated equally, no matter one’s means, title or background. He applied these principles to his professional life and family life.

Towards the end of his career at the NYPD, Jerry divorced his first wife and eventually went on to marry his second wife, 20 years his junior, and have a son at the age of 50. Jerry retired from the NYPD in 1981 and worked in security and the New York Stock Exchange until 1987, when he and his family moved to Florida.

Despite his age, Jerry was constantly active in his young son’s academic and sports interests. He was a dedicated family man who provided calmness and strength in the most difficult of times.

Jerry was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2011 but survived through surgery and chemotherapy. Although Jerry persevered through this difficult time, his physical and mental health declined over the following four years. In his most difficult moments, he remained kind and was always grateful to his wife who dedicated herself to caring for him around the clock.

Jerry Byrne is survived by a loving family who is eternally grateful for his dedication and wisdom.