John Leo Garvey Bynoe III

SALEM – Mr. John Leo Garvey Bynoe III, 72, of Salem, beloved husband of Deborah Ann (Greaves) Bynoe, died Monday April 22nd, 2024 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Ma. 

Born in Boston, he was the son of the late John Garvey and Sarah D. (Cheatham) Bynoe and step son of Louise (Granville) Bynoe of Mashpee. He was raised and educated in Boston and proudly attended Boston Public Schools, including Boston Latin and Brookline High School. He continued his education at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, earning his bachelor’s degree. From a young age, public service was ingrained into his being as a man. 

John devoted his professional career to helping the underserved communities throughout the state of Massachusetts through his influence and administration of public education. He worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education steadfastly for 38 years, earning the position of Associate Commissioner. He mentored many future leaders over the course of his illustrious career. Shepherding them through the obstacles to create a better future for tomorrow’s youth. He was also associated with University of Massachusetts, Lowell as an administrator for many years. He was highly respected and beloved by all, both professionally and personally. 

 An active and loving father and member of the community at large, John volunteered his time to many youth sports in the city of Salem. He was a long-time coach, having coached in the Saturday Cartoon Basketball League, Salem Recreational, Salem travel teams and Salem Little League. He was a beloved coach who always had a nickname for each of his players. It was truly a moniker of endearment if you earned a unique title from Coach Bynoe. He was also a proud “Dance Dad”, anything to support his children in their interests.  

An avid and outstanding card player, John could often be found at a Pub Poker tournament with his EPT buddies, almost always with the biggest stack of chips by his side. He relished the camaraderie of card playing and endeared himself to many. To know “Big John” was to love him. Even if he took your last penny on a bluffed hand. He was an avid golfer and treasured a smooth glass of scotch. 

John’s legacy is found in many places throughout the cities and towns in Massachusetts; on the hardcourts of Salems playgrounds, the classrooms across the state and most importantly in the loving home he and his beloved wife of 38 years created. His leadership and vision for a better tomorrow through public education will always be remembered. For his presence, albeit larger than life, made such a positive impression on so many people, that the seeds he sowed will blossom and last infinitely. 

John is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Deborah Ann (Greaves) Bynoe of Salem, his son, Jon L.G. Bynoe of Salem, his daughter, Joclynne P. Bynoe of Salem and her long-time Partner, Richard Ryder, his grandson, Ayden Ryder, his great nephew Brycen John Bynoe-Thompson, his step mother, Louise (Granville) Bynoe of Mashpee, his sister, Sandra Bynoe of Dorchester, his brothers, James Bynoe and his wife, Lisa of Roslindale and J. Kevin Bynoe of Roxbury, his nieces, Monica Bynoe, Marissa Bynoe and Jordan Bynoe and his extended family and all the lives he has touched over the years.  

ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral service will be held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, St. Peter St., Salem, Saturday, May 4th at 11 A.M. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours at O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM, Friday, May 3rd from 4 to 7 P.M. in lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in John’s memory to Salem Park, Recreation and Community Services ℅ Travel Basketball League 401 Bridge St. Salem MA 01970 Attn: Kathy McCarthy. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com

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