Byron J. Round DDS

Byron J. Round DDS, 75, of Litchfield, CT, died Sunday, December 20, 2020, at Keystone Place with his wife, Merlene, by his side. He was the beloved husband of Merlene (Sabad) Round.

Byron was born on March 18, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, the oldest of three children born to Byron and Helen (Sima) Round. Byron's family moved to Simsbury, Ct., when he was a young boy. He graduated from Simsbury High School as an honor student and an athlete on the football and basketball teams. Byron's love of sports prompted his parents, who were avid golfers, to introduce him to the game of golf, something he enjoyed doing for the rest of his life.

After high school, Byron attended the University of Virginia (‘67) where he received his undergraduate degree. His local dentist inspired him to become a dentist. As a result, he enrolled in the dental program at Georgetown University (‘71) where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery with honors. He was also a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU), which is the national dental honor society.

Upon graduation, Byron enlisted and served his country as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy (‘71-’73), stationed in Groton, Ct. While there, he took care of the dental needs of his fellow sailors. When his tour was over, he returned home and decided to become an orthodontist. He enrolled in the orthodontic program at Tufts University (’75), graduating with his Orthodontic Degree and registered as a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.

Byron opened his first office in Torrington, Ct, in 1975 and began treating many of the local young children. Byron loved his profession and found much joy in helping so many children and young adults. He truly believed that there was no better way to enhance a young person's self-esteem than by providing them with a beautiful smile. Through the years he opened other offices in Litchfield and New Milford and continued providing orthodontic care for over 40 years until his retirement at the end of 2015. In an effort to promote the importance of orthodontics, Byron was also a member of the American Association of Orthodontics and a past president of the local chapter. He was also a board member and president of the Litchfield County Dental Society.

For many years Byron was a member of the Litchfield Country Club, where he served as a President and a member on the Board of Directors. While there, he continued to improve his golf game and developed many friendships that endured throughout his life.  After his marriage to Merlene, he renewed his membership at the Torrington Country Club. For many years, he particularly enjoyed his regular Wednesday nights as part of the golfing Health League. The golf was fun, but the camaraderie, dinner, and card games afterward were even better.  He made many new and lasting friendships, especially with his golfing partner, Dr Terrence Ryan. They were affectionately referred to as “the Docs.” The family would like to thank all of Byron’s friends who were so kind to him and supported him throughout every stage of his illness.

Byron enjoyed a full life, combining his profession with participation in the activities he loved. He and Merlene traveled extensively, played golf and tennis together, and, whenever possible, went dancing, something they truly enjoyed. After his retirement, one of his greatest pleasures was spending the winter months in Naples, FL visiting with and enjoying the company of friends and family who lived there.

In addition to his devoted wife, Merlene, of 19 years, he is survived by two sons: Geoffrey Round (Stephanie) of Litchfield; Kirk Round (Liv) of Lincolnville, Maine; and a daughter, Kristin Brown (Dan) of Portland, Oregon. His stepsons: Louis Sabad (Jennifer) of Westminster, Md; Ronald Sabad (Kristen) of Trumbull, Ct; and Michael Sabad (Heather) of Trumbull, Ct. Also, a brother, Douglas Round (Susan) of Houston, Texas; a sister, Mary Round and her partner (Tim Jazbinsek); and a special cousin, James Sima (Elaine), whom Bryon had an especially close relationship, as well as several other cousins, nieces and nephews.

Byron is also survived by his grandchildren: Gunnar Round; Hudson, Samantha, and Annika Brown; and step-grandchildren: Grant, Cole, Tyler, Emily, Kylie, Ashley, Natalie, and twins, Tori and Taylor Sabad.  All of whom held a special place in his heart.

Byron will be remembered as a soft-spoken gentleman with a kind heart and a good friend to all who knew him.

The family would like to thank all of the amazing caregivers at Keystone Place who treated Byron with respect, dignity, extraordinary kindness, compassion, and love.

In light of the extraordinary difficulties many families have faced this year, memorial contributions may be made to the Friendly Hands Food Bank and Fish Organizations of Torrington, Ct.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a Christian Mass in celebration of Byron’s life will be held in the late spring with a date and time to be determined. Burial services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield Street, Torrington, Ct, has been entrusted with the arrangements.