Sgt. No, who served many years as a Sergeant in the New York City Police Department Chief of Detective's Office, finally got a request he could not deny. John Byron, 97, born in Queens New York on November 29, 1926, died Friday, August 30, 2024, at home in Millbrook, New York, surrounded by the family he nurtured and protected and who loved him beyond words. Margaret, who he married on October 9, 1949, predeceased him in 2008. John's life was defined by fidelity, service to others, and a generosity of spirit worthy of the recognition he never sought in life. John grew up in Queens, New York with his parents and four brothers when Queens was little more than a farming community. He loved to tell stories of his childhood escapades including his collection of matchbooks (used as currency for gambling and confiscated by his mother) riding horses, picking fruit and vegetables from the farm "across the street" (as he later admitted, without permission). He visited Gettysburg in 1936 and toured that hallowed ground with Civil War veterans. Although his family never saw evidence of it, he would tell everyone that "the Byrons were all singers and dancers". His mother Isabelle Patterson, was born in Scotland, and his father James Byron, was born in Ireland. They immigrated to this country at the turn of the last century, settling in Queens. As immigrants, his parents instilled in him the imperative to give back to the country that took them in. John didn't have to wait long to do so. His service to country began in 1944  when he convinced his parents to let him leave Bryant High School in Jackson Heights at 17, to join the Navy. He served on the USS Turner as "plank owner" and was shipped out to Japan. When the country asked again, he answered again, this time during the Korean War. He was proud of his service and remained actively involved in planning USS Turner reunions. He was also an active member of the VFW in Millbrook. After leaving the Navy, he pursued his education and married the love of his life. He also took the test to become a New York City Police Officer, "on a lark". The rest, as they say, is history. He joined the force in 1952 and never looked back. He policed the mean streets of Manhattan until his numerous arrests got him promoted to detective. He was ultimately promoted to Sergeant and assigned to the Chief of Detectives Officer where he served as the officer in charge of resource allocation for 17 years earning his title as "Sgt No". A title he embraced so fully that he made it the license plate of his car. He played a key role in creating the NYC hostage negotiation team with his good friend Frank Bolz. Given a choice, he always chose to volunteer, to get involved, and to do the work he saw as necessary. For example, when his son joined the Boy Scouts, he became an Assistant Scoutmaster. As a man of deep and abiding faith, John didn't just attend services, he served his church. He served on the vestry of Trinity Episcopal, the church he joined in 1936, and where he met Margaret, his wife-to-be. While working as a police officer he served as president of the Saint George Association, the fraternal organization for members of protestant denominations. When he moved to Millbrook in 1992, he became actively involved in Grace Church in Millbrook. After the death of his wife, he found companionship with his friend Patricia Pinckney and her daughters Candy and Cynthia. He was quite fond of Helen Byron, the mother of his grandchildren.  He is survived by his son Keith P. Byron of Clinton Corners, daughter-in-law Sara (Love) Byron of Clinton Corners, three grandchildren; Keith Paul Byron, Stephen Ross Byron, and John William Byron, step granddaughter Barbara Crays Moody, and one great-granddaughter Sophia Byron. He loved his family and friends and they all loved him. He will be missed by all who knew him. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September  5, 2024 at 11am from Grace Episcopal Church, Franklin Avenue, Millbrook, New York. Entombment with military honors will follow at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery, Poughkeepsie, New York on Thursday, September 5, 2024. Family and Friends may call at Allen Funeral Home, 3270 Franklin Avenue, Millbrook, New York, on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm