Frostburg, MD - William (Bill) Dean Byrnes, 83, of Frostburg, passed away on May 23, 2026, at Allegany Heath Nursing and Rehab.

Bill was born Sept. 25, 1942, in Eckhart, Md., the only child of Anna Helen (Dean) Byrnes and William Joseph Byrnes.

Bill attended St. Michaels Catholic grade school and graduated from Beall Junior Senior High School. He obtained his B.S. and M.A. in Education from Frostburg State College.

Following college graduation, Bill taught at Waterloo Middle School in Laurel, Md., before returning to Allegany County to teach eighth grade social studies for over 30 years at Beall Junior Senior High School.

Bill enjoyed playing football, golf, tennis and bowling. He played clarinet in high school and with the Frostburg Arion Band. Bill and his family camped at the Jersey Shore and at the Little Orleans Campground for many years, from the 1980's until 2019. The family has many fond memories of these camping trips.

Bill coached peewee football and was a staunch supporter of the Beall High Belles and all things Beall High. He had a love for hunting and fishing, something he shared with his son Greg, and later his grandsons. He was a history buff, an avid reader, a sometime poker player and lifetime Notre Dame football fan. He believed in the importance of education, hard work and the love of family.

Predeceased by his parents, Bill is survived by daughter, Amy Byrnes Snyder and husband David, Corriganville, Md.; and his son, Gregory Dean Byrnes, Frostburg, Md. Left to remember their Pap are grandchildren, William Jacob Byrnes, Frostburg, Md., Michael Cutler, Fort Wayne, Ind., and Abby Olazabal and husband Christian, Miami, Fla.

He also leaves behind his bonus stepgrandson, Logan Snyder and his significant other, Saprina McMillan. He will be missed by "his" dog, Buck. He also leaves behind good friends, Tom and Sue Crilly, Carmel Goodwin, Dan and Linda Williams, and Lynn and Linda Zellers.

Amy and Greg would like to thank their dad's caregiver Lorretta for her dedication and friendship with him. You made a lasting impression on all of us. They are also appreciative of the compassionate care their dad received from the staff at Allegany Health Nursing and Rehab.

A daily greeting to Dad would often be "How was your day?" to which he would paraphrase Walter Cronkite and say, "Oh, it was a day filled with those events that alter and illuminate our time."

Well, Dad, you surely illuminated many lives. You'll be remembered by many.

Family, friends and past students will be received at Durst Funeral Home, 57 Frost Ave., Frostburg, MD, on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m., with Pastor Jim Jeffries officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Frostburg Volunteer Fire Department, 75 S. Water St., Frostburg, MD 21532; Allegany Animal Shelter, 716 Furnace St., Cumberland, MD 21502; or a charity of your choice.

Interment will be held privately at Frostburg Memorial Park.

Words of comfort may be sent to the family following the obituary at www.durstfuneralhome.com.