Alphonsus “Fonie” Byrne

Alphonsus “Fonie” Byrne passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 6, 2026, at the age of 94. 

Born in Limerick City, Ireland on November 28,1931, Fonie was one of 11 children. As a young man he emigrated first to London and then, in the 1950s, to the United States, settling in New York City and later Bridgeport, Connecticut. He built his life in Connecticut over the decades that followed. 

Fonie spent 30 years as a truck driver and Teamster with Red Star Express before his retirement. Away from work, he was a devoted golfer and a lifelong Arsenal supporter - a club he had played for in the junior leagues during his time in England, a source of pride he carried his whole life. 

He was married to Mary Ann Devine of Portmagee, Ireland who preceded him in death in 1991. He later married Kathleen Turbett of Hamden, Connecticut, who passed away in 2025. 

Fonie is survived by his three children, Allen, John and Mary. 

Funeral services will be held on June 13, 2026 at 11am directly at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 149 South Pine Creek Road, Fairfield. Calling hours will be held on Friday June 12 from 4-7 at Frank Polke and Son Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. 

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