Obituary of Jerome Simon

c

Jerome “Jerry" Simon, age 92, passed away on Wednesday, June 28, 2017. He was born in Erie, PA on August 21,1924 to Fredrick and Catherine Moroski Simon. In his youth, Jerry spent many hours at the Boys and Girls Club participating in sports programs. Notably, in high school along with his brother, they were basketball champions in the 90lb. division. He later served as a Boys and Girls Club trustee. After graduating from Central High School, he honorably served in the United States Navy during World War II as a gunner mate. Jerry has been honored in Washington D.C. with a tribute for his service. Returning home from his service in the Navy, he attended Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA. There he was an accomplished swimmer and graduated in 1950. While attending college, Jerry married Vangela Klapsinos on Thanksgiving Day 1947. They were married for sixty-five years until Van passed away in 2013. Jerry was an avid sports fan, he especially loved Penn State athletics. He also attended thousands of high school athletic events. He played tennis himself and passed his passion for the sport on to his family. Jerry was a founding member of the Erie Tennis Club and he has been recognized as the Florida State Tennis Champ in the 80+ age division. An avid Detroit Tigers fan, he was a wealth of information on the game itself and the players.  Joyously he shared this with his family. This past winter Jerry attended spring training to get a preview of what this baseball season would hold. Among his other passions was his love of fishing, especially on the Edward John, where he not only caught fish but made many cherished friendships. He was a member of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church and an icon at the church’s Greek festival, always working long hours to insure its success. He was also a member of St. Demitrios Greek Orthodox Church in Fort Lauderdale, FL. where Jerry and Van spent many winters and made many dear friends. He is a past member of Lake Shore Country Club. Jerry was employed by Ruberoid Inc. and GAF before he founded Simon Building Products in 1973. He was honored when all of his sons joined him to grow the business.

He was preceded in death by his wife Vangela Simon and son Michael J. Simon.

Jerry is survived by his sons, Jerome F. Simon (Lois) and Paul E. Simon (Denise); grandchildren, Nicholas and Christopher Simon, Matthew (Hannah), Alexander and Meghan Simon, Dena Oliver and Jamie Simon; great grandsons, Jaydon and Wyatt Oliver. Also surviving are his brother Milton (Mimi) Simon, sisters-in-law: Helen Pappas (Nick), of Erie, Lee Klapsinos of Erie, Irene Harpst (Ronald) of Middleburg Heights, OH and Stella Athans (John) of Seattle, WA, and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church 4376 West Lake Rd. Erie, PA 16505 on Friday, from 4 p.m. till 8 p.m., with Trisagion Service at 7 p.m. Additional calling hours will be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:30 a.m. with Rev. Theofanis Nacopoulos and Rev. Thomas Parthenakis officiating. Interment will follow with Full Military Honors conducted by Millcreek American Legion Post #773 in Laurel Hill Cemetery.  Arrangements are under the care of the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. 4216 Sterrettania Rd.  

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Boys and Girls Club 1515 East Lake Rd. Erie, PA 16511 as well as the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church. The family extends thanks and gratitude to all you cared for Jerry with such respect and compassion at LECOM and Saint Vincent Hospital.