Died: August 10, 1994
Paul Byrne graduated from White Station High School, Memphis, TN, in the class of 1961. He entered Yale in the fall of that year as a member of the class of 1965. Paul resided in 48 Vanderbilt Hall and majored in music. As an upperclassman, he was a resident of Jonathan Edwards College. He died on August 10, 1994.
Kenneth Berv remembers:
I did not know Paul well, but we worked on and performed the Brahms Horn Trio in the spring of 1966 at Davenport College. The piano part is a “bear,” and he handled it with virtuosity and alacrity. Our rehearsals were quite enjoyable, with no small part of that from his sardonic wit. Paul Severtson, who was then a freshman, was our fine violinist. We were fortunate to have my Dad (French horn, along with his two brothers, NBC Symphony under Arturo Toscanini) coach us in a few memorable rehearsals. I remember reading that Paul went on to work on Wall Street after Yale. I much regret losing touch with him, and his early passing.
Charles Jester remembers:
Paul Byrne was an interesting individual. He came from Memphis, Tennessee and was assigned to J.E. Paul had an interest in many diverse subjects, as he could not concentrate on any one. Of the many interests, the classics were perhaps Paul’s favorites. Paul would start a conversation at breakfast; and, after many days, it would still be going at lunch with the same group fascinated by Paul’s grasp of the particular subject of the day, often about the exploits of one of his favorite Greek or Roman gods or heroes or of a classic battle. Paul always got excited by his subject, speaking in an almost theatrical or musical voice. Paul was what you would call an intellectual, and I don’t recall ever seeing him participate in any sports activity. He did go off to the Marines one summer but came back as the association did not seem to suit either party: something about a physical deferment.
After graduation Paul was over qualified for his job of choice, which was counter agent for an airline, which gave him the opportunity to visit all of the overseas sites of the classics he had immersed himself in school.
All said, Paul was fascinating and delightful company to be with, and is certainly missed.