To all the O’ Byrnes,

I was so sad to just learn of Dan’s passing with the arrival of my Cornell Alumni Magazine today.  I was Dan’s across the hall neighbor freshman year at Cornell, thus he was one of the first people I ever met in college. We became fast friends, though regrettably I never really kept in touch after college.  I did occasionally keep up with his goings-on via LinkedIn and other social media.

I have many fond memories of Dan.  We played a lot of air guitar to the Eagles Hotel California; he incessantly drummed on desks and books, reliving and retelling his glory days with the Garfield Cadets; we partook in dorm activities and intramural sports; and argued over whose fraternity was better.  Dan, like my Dad, was a Sig Ep.  But one of my favorite memories was his tag line when he was leaving for class.  He never said he was going to class.  He’d say, “I’m going to college”.  I found that really neat, and too adopted it.

It was clear from our first meeting that Dan was going to be a success, both professionally and in life.  A short reading of his life and viewing of the tribute movie made it clear that I made a correct read of Dan.  The world is a more sad and incomplete place without Dan.  I treasure the memory of our time at Cornell.

I wish you all peace.

Brian Myers, Cornell ‘80


Mrs. O'Bryne - I am just learning about Dan's passing. I am so sorry to hear this news. Dan was such an asset to us at UNF in the Sport Management Program. He was a great instructor and we all loved his enthusiasm and expertise in sport tourism. He will be greatly missed. Please accept my condolences from all of us in the College of Education and Human Services and know we are praying for you and your family. Dan was a great man and his time at UNF surely made a difference in the lives of our students.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Kane
Associate Dean
College of Education and Human Services
University of North Florida

Brian and I were devastated to hear of Dan's passing.  For those of you that don't know us, Brian and I both worked with and for Dan at the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau.  We shared with Dan (and Lorrie) some hard work along with laughs and memories we will have for a lifetime.  We will always remember that Dan never really "got" the mascot for the Arkansas Razorbacks being a "hog" or as he referred to it  - a "pig".  Anyone from Arkansas knows how important the Razorback legacy is to the state. 

We are also grateful to Dan for his encouragement and support that helped us step out and create our company the Angela Rogers Group over 13 years ago.  It seems like everyday we talk about how working with Dan prepared us for our dealing with the day to day trials of running a conference management/public relations company and also how we hoped he would be proud of what we have become.

Our heart,  prayers and love go out to the entire O'Byrne family especially Lorrie, Danny and Katie.  

With respect, Brian and Angela Rogers - Little Rock, Arkansas

Dan and I worked together in the late 90's at Tishman Hotels. We shared the same office (actually it was a converted guestroom at the Swan Hotel). We worked on many hotel projects together, trying to turn around distressed hotels.  It was difficult work, but Dan always brought his bright mind and his enthusiasm to the task. Always impeccably dressed, I can still picture him with his tie tossed back over his shoulder, a report of some kind in his hand, his arms outstretched and his finger pointed in the air, and his booming voice excitedly and urgently making his case.  He always had a smile and a twinkle in his eye, and he always made you feel like smiling too; he was part philosopher, part minister, part politician, and part comedian. His most passionate interest was his family and  friends and he treasured the relationships with the people that he worked with.   I miss him but will always remember his smiling face. My thoughts and prayers are with Lorrie and his family.   

We have so many memories of Dan from years of family get togethers, graduations, weddings, christenings through the years.  I'll always think of Dan's many great qualities -  smart, funny, big-hearted and devoted to  family.   
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family at this sad time.   
Terry Henry and Rick Luhmann

Lorrie, Danny and Katie,

My heart breaks for you with the loss of your precious husband and father. Our lives are better for having known Dan, his faith, his commitment to what he believed in, and his zest for life.  Prayers!

Jammie Neill-Ziller

Dan, I know your spirit can hear all these nice things being said about you. So lest your forget, John Finamore and I schemed incessantly on how to get you and Lorrie together. You went along with all our meddling. When, at last, the desired outcome was inevitable, we took great pride and credit, totally undeserved, in what was bound to occur in spite of our interference. It is a credit to you that you made this whole experience fun and fulfilling.
Rest well Dan with the knowledge that your quick wit, your intellect and your great, good humor brought so much happiness to so many. You are missed.
All good wishes to Lorrie and your family.
Bill

I worked with Dan in my beginning years at LRCB.   He was a fantastic leader and a wonderful man that I looked up to.   May he rest in peace and bless his family.   Give them peace in their time of need.   He will be missed by all that ever met him... Carol Smith

My condolences and prayers to Lorrie and children.  Dan was such a wonderful man who had such a positive attitude and put humor in everyone’s day!  Such a kind,gentle man who loved life and family!  Prayers to you and your family, may they find peace knowing you were such a great part of their lives and will always be in their hearts!  It was such a pleasure working with you and Lorrie in Orlando!  

Patti and Jack Sherbondy

I did not know Dan personally, just through stories from fellow Garfield Cadets of his time as a drummer and cherished member of our Drum Corps family.  I hope that time and the knowlege that he is at rest and free from pain can ease some of the sadness and bring peace to Dan's family.

Patrick Zampetti
Cadets Hall of Fame

I worked with Lorrie and her love for Dan and the kids was evident and clear. My prayers are with the family along with my sincerest condolences. 

Worked with Dan during my job at Arkansas Tourism-thoughts and prayers with family and friends.

He was the greatest boss ever  I remember him telling everyone I was the CEO of the Convention Center he'll be missed . Rest In Peace Love Happiness. Praying for the family 

Thank you for the memories - DAN --- for blessing our lives with your quickness - humor - expertise - situation analysis -  positive attitude and overall good spirits over the many years we worked together - often on tedious tasks , but also by your skillful generation of lasting perceptions that so motivated others.  While time has separated us for years - my heart aches on this news... because you were always their for others with a helpful smile and hand. 

God's blessings to you - Lori -  and your children  - during this difficult time.  

Dave  G.

So many memories, a lifetime of memories.  Dan O'Byrne - the first person I had lunch with my first day in the trailer for opening the Walt Disney World Swan.  Vivacious, opinionated, curious.  He taught me the lay of the land and believe me, it was not by the book - which made it so much more fun!  
We discovered we grew up together in Northern New Jersey attending Catholic high schools so near one another, so many similar NJ paths our families had crossed, it seemed destiny that we'd meet.  As the years passed we became like family.  From Lor and Dan's wedding, to the miracle of their children, to our annual opening day pool parties, christenings, confirmations, graduations (especially the great sleepover at Florida State), and on and on.  The eventual separation of miles never separated our lives.  We enjoyed years of life and laughter.  Even in the tough times, Dan would/could analyze and find humor.  If I had to pick one memory that always makes me laugh it was during one of their visits, he came down from taking a shower and asked "Cath, was that human shampoo or dog shampoo that I just used in the bathroom?"  My laugh-till-I-cried response gave him his answer.  I think he was both horrified and amused at the same time, but at least he didn't have to worry about fleas.  Dan O'  I will hear your voice in my head and feel your presence in my heart the rest of my life.  You were one of the kindest, funniest, most intelligent and most respectable people I have ever met.  And as you'd always say "at the end of the day" what a joy it has been to be part of your life.
Love, 
Aunt Cathy Sauer

I remember meeting Mr. O'Byrne, Mrs. O'Byrne, and Danny when you all came to visit UF Law on admitted students day.  We spent the lunch break talking and in that short time I realized how great this family was that I was lucky enough to sit next to.  Within the first month of law school I became best friends with Danny and I am very grateful that I was able to meet this wonderful family.

My dear friend, so brilliant, so witty, and a man so devoted to his family. I so enjoyed our time together in Little Rock, where my weekly Tuesday meetings with “my brother” Dan were the highlight of my week.   Cheryl and I send our love to Lorrie and their beautiful family.  We’ll miss you Danno. 

Dan was how I ended up at the Walt Disney World Swan way back in February 1989.   He was so kind to this young gal who knew nobody!  When I think of Dan in my mind, he sitting in his office with his skinny legs crossed and that Dan O’Byrne smile!  Rest easy ... he was so loved. 

I will never forget how eloquently and charismaticly Dan spoke at our wedding. And his great sense of humor. Dan, you will be missed.

OBITUARY

Daniel Edward O'Byrne

19 December, 1958 – 3 May, 2019

Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel

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