Obituary of Albert George Simon

Albert George Simon, a 37 year resident of Portage Lakes, and a 73 year resident of the Akron area, died on February 28, 2009 following a brief illness. From January 2007 until his death, Mr. Simon resided at Windsong Care Center in Copley, Ohio. We are deeply grateful for the care offered to Mr. Simon by the staff at Windsong Care Center and Summa Health Systems' Emergency and Acute Care for the Elderly facilities. Mr. Simon was born on November 24, 1932 in Dover, Ohio to the late Ruth T. and George Simon. From 1936 forward, Mr. Simon resided in the Akron area. Mr. Simon was a January 1951 graduate of Buchtel High School and a graduate of John Carroll University. While in college, Mr. Simon enlisted with the United States Army, ultimately being honorably discharged with the rank of Captain. Following his discharge from active duty, Mr. Simon continued to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves well into the 1960s. Mr. Simon was a charter member of St. Thomas Eastern-Orthodox Church. Following college, Mr. Simon began work as a chemist for the B.F. Goodrich Company. Mr. Simon left Goodrich to work with his parents in the restaurant and tavern business. After many years owning and operating restaurants, Mr. Simon entered the insurance industry, retiring from Monumental Life Insurance Co. in 1994. Mr. Simon spent his retirement years at his family's home on Miller Lake, enjoying his family, friends, visitors (including the boaters and fishermen who used his property), the occasional good steak and his favorite Labrador, Simon. Mr. Simon had a quick wit and a wry sense of humor, even in his declining years, always finding time for a joke - When asked, "What are you up to?" he generally responded, "About 5'10". Beneath his often gruff exterior was a heart of gold. He will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him. Mr. Simon was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth T. and George Simon. He is survived by his sons George Simon of Columbus and James Simon of Akron, his former wife and dear friend Shirley Simon, his former daughter-in-law and dear friend Rebecca Simon, his former wife Margaret Sparks and his grandchildren Jeremy (Megan) Gray, George, Karl, Nicole and Anna Simon and his great-grandchildren Connor Gray and Mara Simon. Calling hours will be on Wednesday, March 4, 2009, from 4:00 - 8:00 pm at Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel at 1990 South Main Street, Akron, Ohio (Please note new address) with a Parastas service at 7:45 pm. The funeral will be on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 11:00 am at the funeral home where there will be a viewing for one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow the funeral at the Simon family lot at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to either St. Thomas Eastern Orthodox Church or United Disability Services. (Anthony Funeral Home, 330-724-1281, www.anthonyfh.com).