Ronald John Byron

Ronald John Byron, 89, passed away peacefully in his Florida home on July 24, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. He had bravely battled 2 types of cancer since 2005, a testament to his strength of will and perseverance.

He was born in Chicago, IL, withstood a difficult childhood, and served honorably during the Korean War. He received a Master’s degree from Northwestern University and became a respected tax accountant for Sears, Roebuck and Co. Ron married the love of his life Judith Grey in 1958, and they celebrated 60 years of marriage before she passed away in 2018. For years he visited Judy in her memory care facility every single day, always bringing a cookie and saying “Do you think the rain will hurt the rhubarb?”, eliciting a smile and giggle from her.

He was an avid stamp collector, a savvy investor, and a Jeopardy aficionado.

One of Ron’s proudest achievements was having 6 of his own crossword puzzles published in the New York Times. Many who knew him considered him the smartest man they had ever met.

Ron is survived by his children Katherin Watters, Nancy Byron, and Robert Byron, his grandchildren Kristina Kidwell, Nicholas Klimek, and Derek Byron, and his great-grandchildren Liam Kidwell and Connor Kidwell. He will forever be missed and appreciated for his accomplishments, his kindness, and his generosity.