Staten Island, New York
'A Real Summer's Child'
Whether he knew it or not at the time, Paul Joseph Simon got one thing figured out early in his life. At age 14, he met a 12-year-old girl named Shelley at a bungalow colony in the Catskills. The two watched movies, went swimming and hung out together in what would become a 40-year ritual.
"It was a true-blue kind of thing," said Shelley Simon, who married him nine years after they met. "He was always there and I was always there."
The couple had no children, but they carried the joys of youth into their adult lives. At their summer house in Beach Haven, N.J., they fished and boated. Mr. Simon was an avid clammer, sometimes catching just under the 100-clam limit and searching online for recipes for clam chowder, clams casino and steamed clams.
"He was a real summer's child," said Terry Billick, a close friend and neighbor. "I used to say to my husband that he was like having a playmate again, a childhood playmate."
A Queens native, Mr. Simon, 54, was an Internet technology consultant at Marsh & McLennan. He was also a woodworker, making improvements on their home in Staten Island. Mrs. Simon can point to closets, moldings and casement windows that are her husband's handiwork.
But one unfinished project remains. "He had started making a DVD bookcase," she said. "It kind of bothers me. It's still sitting there, the pieces for it. And there's nothing I can do."
I was visiting the World Trade memorial for the first time ever on the 31st of March and took a picture of Mr Simon´s name because a lovely white rose adorned it. I think it means that it was his birthday. Nevertheless, it made me want to look more into who he was as a person. Because I think it´s important to remember that all of these names were actual people
Shadey
April 03, 2024 | Other
Paul, I think about you and Shelley often, and the world is diminished by your absence. I will always remember and cherish our times together at Dishner's in South Fallsburgh, fishing, your ham radio and passing the summers. We were young teenagers, but it was a time of discovery, and those days will always be like yesterday.
Myron Landin
September 11, 2020 | Seattle, WA | Friend
Prayers for Paul & his family...yet another year!!
September 12, 2014
I worked with Paul at DTC. I considered him a friend and will always remember his sense of humor. Rest In Piece
Bob Graziano
September 11, 2014 | Marlton, NJ
Shelly, I'm thinking of Paul and you on this 12th anniversary of losing him on that horrible day. Stay strong and know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love,
Carol Hawrylak
Carol Hawrylak-Giordano
September 11, 2013 | Totowa, NJ
Mrs. Simon...thought you may receive comfort in knowing those of us who didn't know your husband keep him in our prayers...that tragic day years ago inspired me to select a name of one of the victims I could keep in my prayers each day...I picked your husband, as my son's name is also Paul Joseph...please know I pray for him and those he left behind...may you find comfort in prayer and strength to face each new day knowing he is remembered in my prayers...Sincerely, Barbara Fielding Athens,...
August 24, 2013
On Sunday 9-11-2011 my husband and I attended a memorial to the firemen, policemen and civilian victims of 9/11. We had flags for all the victims of that tragic day. Everyone who attended picked a flag with a name we pick pauls. We did not know him but he's a hero to america. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families who lost love ones that day.
Kimberly Fleming
September 12, 2011 | Orlando, FL
My wife and I attended the San Francisco Giants game on 9/11/11 There was a tribute to 9/11 victims and the Giants randomly handed out cards of those lost with printed flags on the reverse side. We received Paul's name. We didn't know Paul but we thought of him on this day.
May you be in a better place. R.I.P
Patrick M
September 12, 2011 | Novato, CA
I worked with Paul at Citi Cards in the late 90's. I didn't know him well, but I knew him well enough to know that he was a good man. I often think about Paul and all of the 9/11 victims.
Fred R
May 09, 2011 | Larchmont, NY
