Thomas Byro

Thomas Byro, 95, of Morganton died peacefully Tuesday, June 25, 2019.  Born February 10, 1924 in Hungary, he spent a decade in Germany before immigrating to the United States and becoming an American Citizen.

Tom retired to Pennsylvania with his wife Maria after working as a Mechanical Engineer for various companies, the last being Bobst North America, in Roseland NJ. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Fairleigh Dickinson University.  During WW2, his wife needed a translator in Germany as she was a nurse and he said it was love at first sight. He was lucky to be fluent in both Hungarian and German.  They were married for 49 years and raised two children, Tom who predeceased him, and Michael Byro (married to Laurie). 

He owned a large farm in Pennsylvania and had local farmers use the land to keep it an active farm.  He later moved South and had fond memories of Elizabeth City.  He met his 2^nd wife in North Carolina and married her.  They had a happy decade together before she passed away in 2014.

Tom was a polite and dignified gentleman who was very proud to be a Catholic and loved the United States, especially Pennsylvania but never forgot his life in Germany. He often spoke longingly of his courtship with Maria.  He loved doing the rosary and attended two churches for many years.

Tom is survived by his son Michael (Laurie), 3 grandchildren, Astrid, Adam and Andrew and 4 great grandchildren.  In addition to his parents, Tom was predeceased in death by two wives, Maria Bussar, and Barbara Abernathy, and his brother, Gabriel and son Thomas. 

The family would like to express their appreciation to his friends Ruth and Paul, his former neighbor Robert, Dr. Adkins and the Grace Ridge Staff, especially Charity who is a blessing.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 12, 2019 at Grace Ridge Retirement Community Chapel, 2^nd floor, with the Rev. Kenneth Whittington officiating.

There will be a memorial gathering later this year in New Jersey.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.sossomanfh.com.