Alvin Simonson

New London - Dr. Alvin Simonson passed away suddenly the morning of Aug. 3, 2015. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, his family meant everything to him. He had an extremely positive impact on his children and grandchildren, teaching them all how to play chess at the age of four and enchanted them with tales of Albert Einstein's theory of relativity. One of his greatest joys was having his children and grandchildren live nearby, and he attended all of their scholastic, athletic, and musical events.

Alvin was born Dec. 16, 1927, in Waterbury, the son of David and Florence Simonson. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944 at the age of 17. Following World War II, he attended the University of Connecticut and received his dental degree from the University of Maryland Dental School. After graduating, he married his wife, Marilyn, in 1952.

He then went on for his Oral Surgery Didactic Training at the University of Pennsylvania. He completed his internship at Metropolitan Hospital, New York City and his residency at Bellevue Hospital. After completing his training, Alvin and Marilyn moved to New London, where he practiced oral surgery for over 45 years and was on the staff of Lawrence + Memorial Hospital.

After his retirement, in his desire to continue helping others, Alvin taught for over seven years as a substitute teacher in various local middle schools and high schools. He also taught a year long course in anatomy and physiology to surgical technician students at Hartford Hospital.

Alvin was a member of Beth-El Synagogue for over 60 years. He was a former president of B'Nai Brith, a life member of Hadassah, and a member of The Connecticut Dental Society.

Alvin will always be remembered for his kindness, thoughtfulness, sense of humor, and ready smile. He made a lasting impression on all those he knew, from his family and many friends to his patients and students. He took a personal interest in everyone he met.

Alvin is survived by his wife, Marilyn of 63 years. He is also survived by his children, Barbara Dean, son-in-law Arthur, Richard Simonson, daughter-in-law, Phyllis Holtzman, and Steven Simonson, daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Hayden. He was the proud grandfather of seven grandchildren, David Dean (Alicia), Adam Dean (Elana), Jason Dean (Alexandra), Laura Kahan (Daniel), and Joel, Eli, and Leah Simonson. He also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Sara and Tehilla Dean. He is also survived by his sister, Ada Susman, brother and sister-in-law, Leonard and Marilyn Flom, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2015, at Beth-El Synagogue, 660 Ocean Ave., New London.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Congregation Beth-El in New London or the Children's Wish Foundation.