Dr. David L. Simon

1923 - 2018

Dr. David L. Simon

Cincinnati - Dr. David L. Simon passed away on June 14, surrounded by his children and listening to his favorite music, one month shy of his 95th birthday. As he himself said in the months and years before, he didn't have "an ache or a pain," and died peacefully, from old age—a passing befitting how he lived his life: fully, without regrets, with joy, generosity, and unconditional love for his family.

David was born July 21,1923 in Middletown, Ohio to Frank and Mary (Chapman) Simon. He attended Harvard as an undergraduate, and the University of Cincinnati Medical School, enlisting as an army medic during WWII. He married Mary Stern of Cincinnati in 1946. His private practice in internal medicine and cardiology lasted 50 years. He deeply loved his work and often said "life is the greatest show on earth, and as a doctor, you have a front row seat." In the 60s, he founded the Forest Park Medical Center. His volunteer medical assistance for the Shriners allowed his children to attend Barnum and Bailey Circuses, and the Beatles. David's love of medicine was passed on to future generations.

David also had a life-long passion for music and theater. He could name any composer or musical score—classical or operatic—after listening to only ten notes, and delighted in his membership at the NY Players Club. He loved and admired his father, Frank Simon I, who was a musician, composer, and the first cornet soloist and assistant conductor in John Philip Sousa's band. He also enjoyed fishing, bird hunting, playing golf, bridge, or poker, and discussing history and politics. David loved to read, especially biographies of notable figures and history, and was engaged in local and national politics. He traveled globally, often with his second wife who predeceased him, Jane Bishop Simon. He often invited his children or grandchildren along for these adventures, and when he couldn't, he came home with beautiful gifts that showed they were never far from his thoughts. No matter how busy his life, family always came first, and David lavished his children and grandchildren with Thanksgiving at the Ritz and so many other memorable gatherings, where his grandchildren were imprinted with the values he lived by: take opportunities to be happy, be generous, and always spend time with your family.

To this end, he was an especially devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is loved and will always be remembered for his joie de vivre, his consummate joke-telling, and his vast repertoire of idiosyncratic aphorisms and fables for nearly any occasion, many of which he has passed down to his family. He used to say, "it's a good day for the race," and when someone asked, "what race?" he would reply, "the human race." This statement seemed to be one that he lived by--for him each day was a blessing and something to be celebrated.

David is survived by his children: Frank Simon II of Hope, Maine, Barbara Simon Woodard of Lyme, New Hampshire and beloved stepchildren: James Curell of Cincinnati, Cynthia Sepe of Old Lyme, Connecticut, and Amy Curell of Cranston, Rhode Island. There will be a graveside tribute at Spring Grove Cemetery July 29th. For memorial gifts please consider Partners in Health: PO Box 996 Frederick, MD 21705-9942, https://www.pih.org/