Simon Rabbi Richard B. Age 70, of Mt. Laurel, NJ, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 18, 2025, at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, Camden, NJ. Born in San Diego, CA in 1954 while his father served in the Navy, Richard moved as a toddler to Brooklyn, NY, and then to Willingboro, NJ at age 11. He graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1972 and Rutgers University in 1976, earning bachelor's degrees in chemistry and biology. During college, he married Antoinette (Nina) Circone in 1975, welcoming the first of three sons, Joshua. Following college, he worked briefly for the Burlington County Times and as a Research Chemist at Yates Industries, becoming an inventor on a patent for copper electroplating. In the late 1970s, while leading services at Temple Har Zion, he experienced a powerful call to serve as a Rabbi. Embracing his religious heritage, he studied intensely under mentors including Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, Rabbi Lewis Eron, and Rabbi Hershel Matt, ultimately receiving semicha (rabbinic ordination) – a direct link in the chain of Jewish spiritual leadership he deeply revered. After a year at Temple Beth Torah in 1984, Rabbi Simon began his long tenure at Temple Har Zion in September 1985. For the next 34 years, he was a pillar of the community, teaching generations, offering guidance and comfort, visiting the ill, and officiating countless religious lifecycle events. His spiritual journey continued, and in 2017 he was ordained as a Zen monk by Seijaku Roshi. After retiring from congregational leadership, he worked compassionately as a chaplain for Samaritan hospice care, finding great meaning in supporting patients and families. Rabbi Simon's legacy lives on through his loving family. He is survived by his sons: Joshua (Ann Marie) Simon, Aaron Simon, and Jonathan (Jo-Ann) Simon; grandchildren: Aidan, Bryce, Clara, and Deanna Simon; his mother, Dorothy Simon; his sister, Karin Shimp; and his partner in life and love, Ellen Decker. He also leaves several nephews, a great-nephew, and a great-niece. He was predeceased by his father, Seymour Simon. His warmth, wisdom, and dedication will be deeply missed.

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Published by The Philadelphia Inquirer on Apr. 25, 2025.

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April 25, 2025

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of God, family and friends. Please find comfort in the words found at Isaiah 61:1,2.

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