Obituaries – January 20, 2023

Christopher J. Byrnes

February 11, 1950—January 9, 2023

Highland Falls, NY

Christopher J. Byrnes passed away on January 9, 2023, at Kindred Hospital in Dover, NJ. He was 72 years old. Son of the late Anthony and Margaret (Culhane) Byrnes, he was born on February 11, 1950, in Suffern, NY.

Chris proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War from 1970-1973. After his honorable discharge, he went to work for Volkswagon in Orangeburg, NY, and later became an Insurance Agent for New York Life Insurance in New Windsor, NY. Chris was very active within his community, being a life member of the Town of Highlands Ambulance Corps., an honorary life member of the Fred Eller American Legion Post #1447, a patriot member of the Harriman VFW Post #8858, a member of the Highland Falls Knights of Columbus Council #515, the Haverstraw Elks Lodge #877, the Marine Corps League, the 40 & 8 Club, the Highlanders Senior Club and held many leadership positions in the organizations that he was involved with.

Left to cherish his memory are his two younger siblings, his children, and his eleven grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Chris was also predeceased by his older brother.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at William F. Hogan Funeral Home, 135 Main St., Highland Falls, NY. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1048 Rte. 9W, Fort Montgomery, NY. Interment will follow at Orange County Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Goshen, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Town of Highlands Ambulance Corps., 39 Main St., Highland Falls, NY 10928 or Fred Eller American Legion Post #1447, 221 Saddle River Rd, Airmont, NY 10952.

Arrangements by William F. Hogan Funeral Home, (845) 446-2868 www.wfhoganfuneralhome.com

Jennifer Packard

August 22, 1947—January 13, 2023

Travellers Rest, SC

Jennifer Packard (née Wood), 75, of Travellers Rest, South Carolina, passed away on January 13, 2023 after a long illness. 

Jennifer was born on August 22, 1947 to teachers Genevieve and Waldo Wood, and spent most of her life in Highland Falls, New York. 

After high school, she worked as a hairdresser and made many close friends among her clients. In her free time, she painted and sculpted.  Afterwards, she worked as a home care aide for elderly people in the community. 

Later in life, she joined the landscaping crew at Bear Mountain State Park. She was especially proud of the gardens she designed around the inn and visitors’ center. 

In 2005, she retired to South Carolina, where she enjoyed year-round gardening and was delighted to never shovel snow again. 

Jennifer was predeceased by brothers Thomas and William Wood, sister Nancy Fleckinger and husband John Packard. She is survived by sister Margaret Goodman of South Carolina; daughters Jenna Plating, Kristen Packard McDonough, Kathleen Osorio, all of South Carolina, and Susan Novotny of Norway; four grandchildren and nine nieces and nephews. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Harvest Hope food pantry in Travelers Rest, SC, where Jennifer volunteered.