Yann Maurice-Herve Simon

Yann M. Simon, 69, of Cumberland, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, May 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Pawtucket, he was the son of the late Marcel and Noelle (Petit) Simon.
Yann was a lifelong resident of Cumberland and a graduate of Cumberland High School, Class of 1974. He went on to earn his associate degree from Rhode Island Junior College in 1976.
He was a devoted communicant of St. John Vianney Church in Cumberland.
Yann spent many years working as a manager for Stop & Shop before retiring in 2015. He was also a longtime bartender at LeFoyer Club in Pawtucket, where he held lifetime membership and served as a board member.
In retirement, Yann enjoyed dedicating time to his many hobbies and collections. He was an avid collector of sports memorabilia, GI Joe figures, Code 3 fire trucks, N scale model trains, and more. He treasured the time spent with family and friends and had a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life. He was a proud supporter of our first responders, especially the FDNY, and the Boston, Providence, and Pawtucket Fire Departments. In addition, he was a World War II history buff, loved Civil War reenactments, never missed the air shows at Quonset, and found great joy in attending train shows.
In his earlier years, he loved to travel and participate in outdoor adventures such as whitewater rafting and scuba diving, for which he was certified. He was a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox, New York Giants, and Boston Celtics.
Yann had a special bond with animals and was affectionately known to many as "Doctor Doolittle" for his gentle and loving nature toward them.
Yann is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Alan and Elizabeth (Dupre) Simon, and his beloved grandchildren: Kyle and his significant other Bree Phelan, Colin, and Avery, all of Cumberland. He is also survived by his sister, Martine Dunn of Warwick. He also leaves his best friend and shadow, his Bichon, "Jack."
The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation for the love, support, and care given to Yann during his illness by all staff of VNA Care New England, especially Jen, Christine, and Sherry.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to Yann's Life Celebration to be held with visiting hours on Thursday from 5 to 8 PM, and continue on Friday at 9 AM in the J. J. Duffy Funeral Home, 757 Mendon Road, Rt. 122, Cumberland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM in St. John Vianney Church, Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland. Burial will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery, Pawtucket.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to:
VNA Care New England, 51 Health Lane, Warwick, RI 02886
or to Hotel for Homeless Dogs, Berkeley Oval, 44 Martin St., Cumberland, RI 02864.
Online Memorial: jjduffyfuneralhome.com