Francis Sean Byrne, an active 53-year resident of Pacific Palisades, passed away on August 29 at the age of 93. Born in New York City on August 20, 1917, Sean was the son of Loughlin Byrne and Annie Douglas, Irish and Scottish immigrants, and he embraced his Celtic heritage. Everyone who met Sean was inspired by his sense of humor, his engaging storytelling ability, his commitment to service, his kindness, and his devotion to his family. He touched the lives of those who knew him and he will sadly missed. In his 93 years, Sean embraced life every day as an adventure. As a teenager, he hitchhiked and caught freight trains across the U.S. to live in Hollywood with his two brothers, who worked as cinema animators. He graduated from Hollywood High where he excelled in voice and acting. He participated in the ROTC and was a member of the National Guard. Sean entered the army in 1940 and had a distinguished military career. He was honored with the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and the Bronze Star. He served in the 27th, 31st and 40th Army divisions and was selected to serve as a tactical and munitions advisor to the Chinese Army. He was reassigned to the 54th and then the 6th Chinese Army, during which time he engaged in the Central and South Burma campaigns. Sean also fought behind Japanese lines with British General Wingate’s Long Range Penetration Unit. After World War II, Sean received his B.A. in foreign relations at USC, where he served as president of the Foreign Service Fraternity. Later, he received his master’s degree in school administration. Sean met his wife, Kathleen, on a blind date and they were married in 1954. He enjoyed a 30-year teaching career with the Los Angeles Unified School District, while his wife taught at both Marquez and Palisades Elementary schools. He was a proud member of Riviera Masonic Lodge 780, American Legion Post 283, and the Disabled Veterans of America. He worked on behalf of the Riviera Lodge’s public school scholarship program and worked to publicize the Lodge’s charitable activities. He was also a Brother of the Scottish Rite. Sean was a history buff and had a passion for learning and reading. His hobbies included playing the bagpipes, stained glass, and leatherworking. During a sabbatical, he and his family traveled throughout Europe and lived in Ireland, where Sean studied horsemanship at Burton Hall Academy. He was also an avid Irish setter enthusiast, serving as president for the Irish Setter Club of Southern California and as an officer with the Kennel Club of Beverly Hills. Sean is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Kathleen; his daughters, Regan Byrne Hamblen (husband Matthew) of Boston and Stacie Gibbs (husband Dana) of Redondo Beach; and his beloved grandchildren, Morgan, Luke, Connor, Skylar and Paris, who were inspired by his passion for life. A memorial mass was held on September 3 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Pacific Palisades. The burial was held at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City.
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