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Robert Simon Obituary
Professor at Hamilton College
CLINTON - Robert L. Simon died peacefully at home on May 31, 2018, after a courageous 17-month battle with pancreatic cancer. A private graveside service was held on June 3, 2018. A memorial service and celebration of his life will take place at Hamilton College in the fall.
Bob was born on May 12, 1941, in Brooklyn, NY, the son of the late Jacob and Frances Simon. He spent his childhood years in Lawrence, NY. He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1959 and then went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Lafayette College in 1963 and a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania in 1969.
Bob met his future wife, Joy Weinfeld, on a blind date in July 1965, and they married on August 27, 1967. They moved to Clinton, NY, in 1968, when he was hired as a philosophy professor at Hamilton College. An expert on ethics in sports, his teaching in courses on political, social, medical, and legal philosophy impacted the lives of thousands of students. Bob embodied the spirit of community that exemplifies Hamilton not only through his tireless commitment to students, but also through his modesty, humor, and devotion to family, friends, and colleagues. Equally effective in the classroom or on the links, he was known as a beloved teacher, respected coach, tenacious competitor, compassionate mentor, and loyal friend. Over the course of his nearly 50-year career at Hamilton, Bob held four endowed chairs, won five prestigious national fellowships, and received numerous awards from the college, most notably the Student Assembly's Sidney J. Wertimer Award and the Alumni Association's Distinguished Service Award.
From 1986 to 2000, Bob coached the Hamilton men's golf team, which was frequently nationally ranked and which also competed in the 1998 NCAA Division III National Championship. He also served many years as a rules official for the New York State Golf Association. As a scholar-coach, Bob espoused that participation in sports enhances intellectual life. Through radio and television interviews, several op-ed articles in nationally syndicated newspapers, and in his articles and six books, Bob raised or responded to important public issues such as gender equity, comparable worth, moral judgment, and the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports. In return, he received numerous recognitions, including being named to the 100 Most Influential Sports Educators by the Institute for International Sport, elected President of the Philosophic Society for the Study of Sport, and inducted into the Kirkland Sports Hall of Fame.
In October 2017, Hamilton President David Wippman announced that a new golf practice facility will be built and named in Bob's honor, and the Bell Ringer Award, the college's highest alumni honor, will be presented in his memory in June 2018.
Bob and Joy celebrated their 50th anniversary last year. They were deeply devoted to each other and enjoyed traveling, golfing, and attending numerous Hamilton and Clinton High School sporting events together. He was especially passionate about Hamilton's men's and women's basketball teams, attending almost every home game and most away games. He loved spending time with his two sons, Marc and Bruce, instilling in them a lifelong love of both sports and learning. He cherished his time with his six grandchildren, telling many stories, making them laugh, and giving them advice. He was a long-time supporter of the Kirkland Town Library, A Better Chance Program, and the Clinton Central School Foundation.
Bob is survived by his caring wife, Joy; his loving sons, Bruce (Kuniko) and Marc (Audrey); his devoted brother, David (Barbara); his adored nieces and nephew, Matthew (Jana and son Michael), Rebecca (fiance Marc), and Michelle; his cherished grandchildren, Kayla, Jake, Chika, Zak, Maya, and Travis; and his sister-in-law, Diane Weinfeld, and her son, Scott. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law Ronald.
The family would like to thank his relatives, friends, and the Clinton and Hamilton communities, along with his compassionate caregivers from Hospice, CareGivers, and home care aides.
In lieu of flowers or other gifts, contributions may be made to support Hamilton's new golf facility being named in Bob's honor. Checks should be made payable to the "Trustees of Hamilton College", reference "Golf Center", and be mailed to:
Hamilton College
Advancement Office
Attention: Mark Monty
198 College Hill Road
Clinton, NY 13323
Credit card or other electronic donations can be made by contacting Mark Monty directly at 315-859-4651 or [email protected]. sisskindfuneralservice.com
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Simon
Sponsored by Sisskind Funeral Service.
17 Entries
Laura Purdy
December 5, 2018
A kind, smart, and thoughtful man. His material and moral support made a big difference in my life, and clearly, I was just one recipient of such care. I'm very sad to hear that he's gone. . . .
Hugh LaFollette
August 3, 2018
Bob was a decent, smart, caring human being. He encouraged me early in my career, even thoughsince I was a grad student at a distant universityhe had no specific reason to do so.
He was kind, optimistic although realistic, and willing to offer sage advice to this philosophical novice.
Mike Burkhard
June 22, 2018
Sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was such a good man always with a smile. I don't think he ever missed a basketball game! He had a big impact on so many and left quite a legacy on ethics, critical thinking and just plain logic. My best to Joy and the boys.
John Bernardi
June 19, 2018
I was fortunate to have met and interact with Bob during my son, Jeff's, 4 years at Hamilton. Bob was a very classy individual. No pretense about himself at all. A very good listener who made you feel welcome and the only person in his peripheral vision. He is missed.
Richard Friedman
June 11, 2018
Our sincerest condolences to the Robert Simon family. As a "second" cousin my brothers have fond memories of Robert and David and their mother Frances and dad Jack when we visited with them at their home in Lawrence, L.I.
I'm sorry we haven't been in touch and send our sincerest regards.
With Love,
Richard and Susana Friedman
New Smyrna Beach FL
June 10, 2018
To Joy, Bruce, Marc and families, we are so sorry to hear that Bob has passed away. With deepest sympathy, Hamid and Rose Kasmai
Norman Bowie
June 8, 2018
Dear Joy and Family It was such an honor to be a a colleague of Bob's for seven years 1969-75 at Hamilton. We continued our scholarly collaboration and deep friendship over the years. I counted on his advice. I remember his quick thumbs up as to whether Maureen and I should get married. Bob was so grounded objective and fair. His wisdom will be sorely missed. Maureen and my thoughts are with you in this difficult time.
John Markos O'Neill
June 6, 2018
Dear Joy, Bruce, and Marc,
I am so sorry to hear about Bob's passing -- having grown up adjacent to Stryker Lane, it's hard to imagine it without him. He was a kind parent and grandparent. I'll always remember how much he loved to play with children, not just his own relations, but with Theo when he was little.
I remember talking about philosophy, about ethics, and posing riddles with Bob and other adults when I was a teenager. When I had a job that I had ethical concerns about when I was in my twenties, we consulted him for advice. He was a wonderful professor, an intellectual, and a good friend. I, along with so many others, will always remember him fondly.
Please accept our deepest sympathy -- we're thinking of you!
John Markos, Sara, John Haley, and Solveig O'Neill
Mitch Pezdek Pezdek
June 5, 2018
Joy------I am sorry to hear about Bob's passing. Here is an email that I sent to my son, John, who remembers him well. That email also went to Mary Lawrence, Head Golf Coach for Men and Women at St. Lawrence, who was John's Coach when he played there. I am sure that she would like to know about Bob. Please pass on my condolences to your sons, Bruce and Marc! I will send you a card and will plan on attending Bob's Memorial Service when it is held.
Hi, son-------as I wrote in a text message, Bob Simon passed away last Thursday after battling pancreatic cancer. He was a great father, husband, Professor, and of course, Golf Coach, as you and Mary Lawrence know so well. Bob and his wife, Joy, were among a group of us who formed the Mohawk Valley Junior Tour, and as you both know, coached the Hamilton College Men's Golf Team in many matches and tournaments that St. Lawrence played in. If memory serves me right, one of his star golfers was Brian Williams, who transferred to Hamilton from Ohio State. I remember one tournament that you played with Brian and Lee Lyon from Skidmore at the NY State course in Saratoga Springs.
I saw Bob's wife, Joy, in Hannaford last year and she told me about Bob's battle with cancer. At that time, his health had improved and everyone was hopeful that he might beat it. Obviously, that did not turn out to be true. Joy gave me Bob's cell phone number, and I did call him, and we briefly spoke to each other. We said we would try to get together, but regrettably, that did not happen. May THE GOOD LORD welcome him into his Kingdom, and I am sure he will be playing golf there, and maybe even with your Uncles Steve and Terry!!!
Mike Jones
June 5, 2018
There isnt a time I go out on the golf course when my mind doesnt wander to the many rounds of golf my brothers and I played with Bob. The true lover of the game I remember how he loved to be out on the course laughing and trying to putt the impossible slope of the third hole at the old Hamilton college course. And I will always remember the laugh Always the laugh whenever we played.
Ann & Terry Dorrity
June 5, 2018
Joy &Family
So sorry to hear of Bobs passing. I know he suffered and is in a better place, but will be misssed. You and Bob were so devoted to Hamilton and welcoming to all of us basketball parents. The players knew you as #1 fans and greatly appreciated your support. Thinking of you in this difficult time.
Steve Grygiel
June 3, 2018
Prof. Simon was my freshman advisor. I also took two courses from him. I've never forgotten him. I never will. He was a prince. Not inclined towards grade inflation either. Professor Simon deeply influenced countless lives for the good. So few of us live lives so deeply important to so many. I'll see you in the clubhouse, Professor, and yes I will remember your gentle but direct admonitions about how to read John Rawls.
Janice Savitz
June 3, 2018
Joy, my deepest sympathies go out to you and your family at this difficult time. It was truly an honor to have known such a kind, warm and remarkable person. I always looked forward to seeing you all in the stands,
May he Rest In Peace,
Janice A. Savitz
anthony domanico
June 3, 2018
Joy,Marc,& Bruce,
Just a few words to express my deepest sympathy
of Bob's passing.
He always had a smile on his face and I so enjoyed talking with him because he was so positive.
I was honored to have known him and to have him as a friend.
Rest in peace
Tony Domanico
Tucson,AZ.
Virginia Horvath
June 3, 2018
What a loving tribute! I know only Bruce and can see what a fine legacy Prof. Simon leaves in his smart, ethical, caring son. My deepest sympathy to all of Bob's family and friends.
Lisa Hunter
June 3, 2018
Sending my deepest sympathies to Bruce and the rest of the family. May your cherished memories remain a symbol of a rich, full and blessed life.
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