Donald F. Byers, age 96, a retired Commander in the United States Navy, passed away June 3rd at the Courtyard Nursing Center in Medford following a short illness. He was the beloved husband of Natalie (Fratto) Byers and together they recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. Born in Othello Washington he was the son of the late John and Anna (Lambert) Byers.
Mr. Byers enlisted in the U.S. Navy on April 19, 1934 and reported to the U.S. Naval Training Station, San Diego, CA for recruit training. Upon completion of his training, he was assigned to the USS NEVADA (BB-36) for duty and served on this ship for four years. During this tour of duty Commander Byers, then Electricians Mate Second Class, was a member of the champion Racing Cutter Crew. It was also during this tour of duty that the USS NEVADA won White "E" for highest efficiency in the Battleship Class.
Mr. Byers reenlisted at Kansa City, Missouri and reported aboard the USS Boise (CL-47) for duty in August 1938. During Shakedown Cruise to Capetown, South Africa, the BOISE crossed the equator on zero meridian. Commander Byers was attached to the USS BOISE when World War II began and served on that ship until November 1944. He participated in the night battle of Cape Esperance and Surigao Strait, also the landings in Sicily, Salerno Bay, New Guinea and the Philippines. While serving in the BOISE, he was promoted to Ensign, LTIG and LT.
In June 1945 he served as Electrical Officer on board the newly commissioned USS COLUMBUS (CA-74) until July 1947 and completed two cruises to the Orient. He then reported for shore duty in the Boston Naval Shipyard from August 1947 to August 1949. In September 1949, he reported as Engineering Officer on the USS VOGELGESANG (DD-862), completed two cruises to the Mediterranean and was promoted to LCDR in July 1950. He then reported for duty in the Boston Group Atlantic Reserve Fleet from October 1951 to September 1953.
From October 1953 to July 1961 Commander Byers served on board the USS WRIGHT (CVL-49), the USS ANTIETAM (CVS-36) and the USS WASP (CVS-18) as Engineering Officer. It was while attached to the USNRTC, Boston for a tour of shore duty in 1956, that he was promoted to the rank of Commander. He reported in July 1961 for duty in the Operations Department at Headquarters, First Naval District and retired on 31 May 1964 after over 30 years of active duty with the U.S. Navy.
Mr. Byers was a very social person and enjoyed sharing stories and life experiences with his family and friends. He was a member of the Paul Revere Chapter, which was an association of retired service officers. He was also active throughout his life with several different groups that supported people with special needs.
In addition to his beloved wife Natalie, Mr. Byers is survived by his sons, John and his wife Sandra of Medford, Paul of Sandwich, David of North Carolina and Richard of Wilmington. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Philip, John and Danielle Byers, and great grandson Philip Byers Jr.
A Funeral service will be conducted in the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Saturday, June 6th, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be Friday from 4 thru 8. Services will conclude with burial and military honors at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. It has been requested that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Donald’s memory to the Arc of Massachusetts, 217 South Street, Waltham, MA 02453-2710