John Byron

A little boy who was always playing, grew up and continued to play. Sudoku, trivia, poker, cards in general, jeopardy or whatever game came along. On Tuesday, March 5, 2024, his days of playing finally stopped. John Thomas Byron (Jack), son of William and Margaret (Deceased) was called home by Our Father after 79 years on Earth. Jack passed away at 1:06pm with his family by his side. He is survived by Carol Byron of Winter Haven, FL, his wife of 54 years. They were married in Devon, CT in 1969. They raised two sons, James (Karin) of McFarland, WI and Thomas (Carol Ann) of Ocoee, FL. Jack has four granddaughters, Ariel of Montana, Ashlyn (Joe) of Florida, Brittani of Montana, Elizabeth of New York and great granddaughter Olivia of Florida. Jack and Carol began their lives together in Bridgeport, CT but soon moved to Newtown, CT where in 1982 they purchased and operated a local bakery. It was truly a “Mom and Pop” style business which also employed his sons and a future daughter-in-law. The bakery was sold in 1988 and the Byrons moved to Kissimmee, FL in 1991. Jack became an active member of the Saint Cloud Shuffleboard Club and served as its Treasurer and President. Through continued play and rankings, Jack was classi fied as a professional player. He competed in the 2016 International Shuffleboard Association 35th World Championship, hosted by the Saint Cloud Shuffleboard Club. Jack enjoyed competing and challenges. In particular he treasured Texas hold ‘em at Four Lakes Golf Club where he moved to in 2018. He served as the weekly game coordinator and collected and reported player stats. He was an avid reader-mostly westerns, but also engrossed himself in spy novels. He loved nature and being outdoors, having visited many National Parks in his later years. But no place was more special to him than Cavendish, VT. Jack was a bow hunter while living in CT; he and his family would hunt deer in VT every fall. He was able to visit VT in October 2023 and though his hunting days were long over, he was able to walk the woods he knew in his youth and reflect on time well spent with family around a campfire or a warm wood burning stove. This last visit included time with nieces and nephews, their children, and their children’s children. Some were meeting Uncle Jack for the first time, but as it turned out, everyone was seeing him for the last time. Naturally, no one will miss him more than his dear wife, Carol. The adventure began 54 years ago. They travelled through much of the US and have cruised through the Caribbean, even through the Panama Canal. All throughout, Carol snapped pictures of her favorite model in all manner of landscapes. Up or down, thin or flush, happy or sad, Jack and Carol were a team that could be counted on by their family and friends. They were there with food or help or encouragement or advice or a ride, or they were there just to celebrate, and Jack was always ready to “Party, party, party!” Jack was a friend. He was a father. He was a husband. He was so deeply loved. He is so very deeply missed. A memorial service will occur on what would have been Jack and Carol’s 55th wedding anniversary, 04/26/2024 at 11:00a.m. at the Recreation Room at Four Lakes Golf Club in Winter Haven, FL. Another memorial will occur in Connecticut 08/03/2024, time and location to be determined.

John Byron

December 15, 1944 - March 5, 2024