Byrne Richard Marston MD passed away peacefully on January 29, 2022. He was born in New York City in 1931 to William Moulton Marston and Olive Byrne Richard. He grew up in Rye NY and attended The Brunswick School, then Harvard University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 1951. He completed his medical degree at University of Virginia in 1955 and moved to Cleveland to start internship at Case Western Reserve University Hospitals. That year, he met and later married the love of his life, Audrey, of Beaver, Pennsylvania, to whom he was married for over 65 years. They raised four children; John, William, Edward and Virginia.
After completing his internship, Byrne entered the Air Force and the newlyweds were stationed in Japan while Byrne served as a Flight Surgeon. After his discharge from the Air Force he resumed his medical training in Cleveland, completing a residency in Obstetrics/Gynecology. He eventually settled in Tampa in 1964 joining the OB/GYN practice of Drs. Ingram, Withers and Qualey, later expanded with Drs. McCammon, Yelverton and Lerner. Over his 36-year career, he provided care to women and delivered thousands of Tampa’s babies.
He was dedicated to the improvement of patient care, serving on numerous hospital committees at St Joseph’s Women’s Hospital and was an Associate Professor at USF Medical School. He also volunteered his time at the Judeo Christian Health Clinic and vigorously supported its mission.
Byrne had numerous interests outside of medicine. Having competed in crew during college, he rediscovered rowing later in life through the Tampa Rowing Club. He enjoyed rowing on the Hillsborough River and in Tampa Bay and competed in numerous rowing regattas. He was an enthusiastic sailor and always enjoyed being on or near the water, particularly in Tampa and Cape Cod, MA.
An avid artist throughout his life, Byrne enjoyed workshops with noted artists and honed his craft of plein air painting, capturing the light and landscapes of Florida, Cape Cod and France. His water color and oil paintings have been exhibited in galleries in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Cape Cod, Mass. Byrne was dedicated to his family as well as his patients. He was known for his humility, dry wit, and his ability to listen with curiosity and empathy. He was a mentor to many, a friend and a counselor whose advice was thoughtfully dispensed. Above all, he had the unique ability to make people feel appreciated and valued. He is survived by his wife Audrey; 4 children, John (Catherine), William (Laurie), Edward (Beate), Virginia Justicz (Dan); and seven grandchildren, Bette Canter (Brian), Byrne Marston (Lauren), Thompson Marston, Rachel Marston, Ted Justicz, Helena Justicz, and Caroline Justicz.
A memorial celebration will be held on Sunday Feb 27, 2022 at the Tampa Yacht Club at 2:00 PM. Byrne would hope that his passing would not cause sadness, but a celebration of the positive things about life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Judeo Christian Health Clinic or the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation.
