Leonard “Len” Reed Byrne, 84, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2026. He was born on October 29, 1941 in Passiac, New Jersey. Len was a son of the late William Byrne and Louise Byrne. In addition to his parents, Len was preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife, Virginia “Ginny” Louise Byrne; and his brother, Wayne Michael Byrne. Len is survived by his son, Christopher Byrne and his wife, Beth and their children, Nicholas Byrne, Zachary Byrne and David Zabriskie; his sister-in-law, Linda Byrne; and nephews, Michael DeHaan and his wife, MiHwa, and their children, Linda and Mike, Gary Byrne, Craig Byrne, and Patrick Byrne and his wife, Jennifer, and their children, Gabrielle and Emily.
Len grew up in northern New Jersey, and later went to Providence College, earned an accounting degree, and returned home to work for Standard Oil in New York City where he met Virginia “Ginny” Palguta. Always committed to their faith, they fell in love, married, and had a son (Christopher).
During this time, Len obtained his MBA from St. John’s University (with Ginny’s help in typing papers and other items!) and transitioned to work for W.R. Grace, also in New York City. Len was highly skilled and was offered a
managerial position at Cryovac (division of W.R. Grace) in South Carolina. Both having grown up around New York City they were apprehensive to move to South Carolina, but Len was driven by ambition and to provide the best for his family and convinced Ginny it would be best for them, and they moved here in 1969.
Once they arrived in South Carolina, they moved into a great neighborhood and found a great church family. Len settled into his new position and continued to create opportunities for himself as he continued to receive promotional opportunities. At home, he and Ginny were raising their only son, Christopher. Len was very proud and extremely supportive of Christopher. He even coached Christopher on baseball, basketball, and football teams. Through his hard work and perseverance, he eventually became the President of Cryovac.
He was an avid golfer and introduced Ginny and Christopher to the game after learning it for the first time after moving to South Carolina. He believed that knowing the game would help advance his career, but he ended up enjoying it. He reveled teaching/playing with Ginny and Christopher, but may have enjoyed golf the most the few times that he was able to play with his grandchildren.
Due to Len’s strong faith, he was very generous with his financial committment and time dedicated to the church including the following:
Ancient order of Hibernians (AOH):
Over a period of more than 25 years Len was active and supportive of the AOH and all Irish functions in Greenville and the southeast.
•When the Greenville Harp and Shamrock Division was initiated, he joined the group in many different capacities.He rose to the position of Division President.
•When the South Carolina AOH State Board asked him to consider joining them, he did so and eventually became State President.
•On the National Level, he became a Committee Chairman, and National Director at one point.
•When Greenville wanted to expand the annual St Patrick’s Day parade, Len agreed to Chair the Committee.
•Len was influential in encouraging the AOH to support the effort to bring the Scottish Games to Greenville when asked to do so by the event organizers.
Knights of Columbus (Council 10819, 4th Degree):
Len was active in the Knights objective to promote the ideals of Catholicism and patriotism, to educate members on national history, and to support government authorities.
Member of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre:
Len obtained the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem which is a Roman Catholic order of knighthood under papal protection, dedicated to supporting the Christian presence in the Holy Land through prayer, pilgrimage, and funding.
Christ on Main:
A quote from the Director “When the Veritas Catholic Information Center was still only an idea, Len’s generous and timely donation made the dream a reality, allowing for design and construction to commence for what would become “Christ On Main.” After losing Ginny, his bride of almost 54 years, to a tragic accident, he funneled his grief into a lasting legacy, which is now the Ginny Byrne Prayer Oratory at Christ On Main”.
There will be a Rosary on Monday, April 27, 2026 at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown beginning at 5:00 p.m. Following the Rosary, the family will receive friends from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass
will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 28th at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. A private entombment will be held in the Graceland East Memorial Park Mausoleum.
In memorial to Len’s legacy, we would like to ask that in lieu of flowers, you consider sending a donation to St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, 2252 Woodruff Rd., Simpsonville, SC 29681, or Christ on Main, 14 S. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601.
Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com.
