Photo by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Mayor Susan McCartney and Ruthi Byrne, former Gov. Brendan Byrne’s widow, in front of the historical marker created in his memory.
Brendan Thomas Byrne, a “West Orange boy” at heart, was remembered at a recent ceremony held to unveil an historical marker in his memory at the Thomas Edison National Historical Park.
Byrne served as the 47th governor of New Jersey from 1974 to 1982. He died Jan. 4, 2018, at the age of 93. This year marks his 100th birthday.
The Downtown West Orange Alliance and The Friends of Thomas Edison National Park recently held a Commemorative Historical Marker and 100th Birthday Celebration at the Edison Park.
New Jersey political leaders came out on Bryne’s behalf, sharing stories about him.
There was a cocktail hour with wine and light fare, accompanied by live music from Jim Keefe on keyboards and vocals. He performed atmospheric songs like, “Girl from Ipanema,” “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” and “Some Enchanted Evening.”
Rich Silivanch, chairman/creative director/trustee of Friends of Thomas Edison National Historical Park, and 18-year resident of West Orange, was the host for the evening.
Edison Park Superintendent Tom Ross was the first speaker. He spoke about personal letters that are in the Edison archival collection and acknowledged the Byrne family.
“It’s a pleasure to be here,” Ross said. “Congratulations to Mrs. Byrne and the Byrne family.”
Mayor Susan McCartney said she took notes from West Orange Public Information Officer Joe Fagan about Bryne. She spoke of Bryne growing up in West Orange, graduating from West Orange High School, and how his plans for college were briefly disrupted while he served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.
McCarthy also talked about Bryne’s career as an attorney and his two terms as governor. She also spoke about Fagan inviting Byrne to lunch, and Bryne speaking of West Orange with great reverence.
“Brendan would be having a good laugh over a 100th birthday party,” said former Gov. Christie Todd Whitman.
“What he cared about was doing his best for the state of New Jersey,” Whitman said. “He would be so honored to have this. He was a lovely man, never a corrupt bone in his body. We all owe him a huge debt of gratitude.”
Former U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance pointed out that Byrne was a member of The Greatest Generation.
“During service in 1943 he was frost-bitten,” Lance said. “In his service he went on very dangerous missions. He told me he did not put in for a Purple Heart. He saw so many other young men with worse injuries. If Brendan Bryne was a member of our Greatest Generation, he was a great leader. He honored the places he loved—West Orange, Essex County, New Jersey, and the United States.”
State senator and former governor, Richard Codey, briefly spoke about his friendship with Bryne and then said, “To all of you, God bless you. Let’s continue to have a good night.”
State Sen. John McKeon said Byrne was his hero.
“He was the guy I looked up to,” McKeon said. “I can’t tell you how much I admired him.”
Former State Sen. Ginnie Littell said Bryne reminded her of her father.
“They both had a sense of humor, but never hurtful,” Littell said. “Being a Republican, I oftentimes talk about, if you’re elected it doesn’t matter your party. Are you going to take care of everybody? That’s what I remember about Brendan Bryne. He did right by the people. I’m sorry Brendan’s not here. I loved Brendan and he’s probably telling me to stop talking and ‘leave me alone.’”
Addressing Byrne’s widow, Ruthi Byrne, Littell added, “I love you, Ruthie.”
Councilwoman Michelle Cassalino, who is also from Friends of the West Orange Library, said, “Just his wit alone…We appreciate his integrity.”
Frank Niccoletti from Friends of the West Orange Library and Cassalino ceremonially presented the book “New Jersey Governor Brendan Bryne: The Man Who Couldn’t Be Brought” to the West Orange Public Library.
Ruthi Byrne was the final speaker.
“Brendan really was a West Orange boy,” she said. “He never forgot his roots. Brendan loved people in general.”
Then the Brendan Byrne Commemorative Historical Marker was revealed. At the bottom of the marker there’s a QR code to scan for more information on Bryne.
“This was all the mayor’s idea,” said Ruthi Byrne.
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