SKANEATELES -- Byrne Dairy reports that C. Vincent Byrne passed away yesterday. He was 86.

Byrne was the son of the founder of the dairy and convenience store chain that bears the family name.  He began working for the family business as a youth, delivering milk by horse and wagon.  His education at Syracuse University was interrupted by service in World War II where he served as a gunner on a B-29 in the Pacific theater.

After graduating from SU, Byrne returned to the family business, serving as its president from 1979-1997. He opened the company's first retail store in 1954, and grew the business to its present size of more than fifty stores.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Winifred Sorgefrei Byrne, six children and 19 grandchildren.

Calling hours will be held Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. at St. Mary's of the Lake Church in Skaneateles. The funeral is Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at the church.