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Ronald Simon Obituary
Simon
Ronald D. Simon, 82, passed away October 6, 2016 at home surrounded by his family. Ron was born in Lakewood, Ohio April 8, 1934.
He moved with his family to Kenmore in 1935 where he graduated from high school in 1952. After marrying his wife Mary Lou in 1957, they moved to Cuyahoga Falls where he lived the rest of his life. Ron is the retired Art Department Head for the Cuyahoga Falls School system as well as long time art teacher at Cuyahoga Falls High School. He had also been a part time instructor at the University of Akron.
Ron retired from CFHS in 1986 with 30 years' service. Ron earned his BS in Education and M.S.ED in Art Education degrees from The University of Akron. Ron's Master's thesis hung in the Old Gardner Student Center for years on campus. Along with being a long standing and respected educator, Ron was a professional artist and sculptor whose work was commissioned by, but not limited to, NUMA Corp, Taylor Memorial Library, Liberty Harley Davidson, University of Akron and City of Pittsburgh Communications Center. During Ron's teaching career he served two years as First Vice-President for OAEA and was part of a nine member board to develop and write "A Guide for the Teaching of Art, Grades 7-12" for the state of Ohio. Ron also designed all signature and signage for the OAEA state conventions. Ron was named teacher of the year in 1986 as well as being one of four teachers nominated by the Ohio Art Education Association as Outstanding Ohio Art Educator. In 2012 the University of Akron awarded Ron the "Distinguished Education Alumni" award. Ron was surrounded by his family and friends at this prestigious award ceremony.
Ron's artwork earned too many awards nationwide to list, but his vast talent and creativity is seen in every corner and aspect of his life and that of his family. Ron was a devoted and hard working life member of St. George Antiochian Christian Church. He was a member of the choir and parish council. Ron designed and handcrafted the stained glass windows of the old church on South Hawkins. A project that took him one year.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his father, John Sr. (who gifted his children with his hard work ethic) and his mother, Ida Mae (her sense of humor and creativity were parallel to Ron's). Ron is survived by his brother and best friend, John Jr. (Joyce); sister, Marlene Elzeer (George); and brother-in-law, Edward Collins. He leaves his nieces and nephews, Diane, Jackie, Leslee, Johnny, Paul, Johnny and Debbie. Ron was godfather to Leslee, Karen, Ronnie (named after Ron) and Michael. Left to deeply mourn his passing are the lights of his life, his two granddaughters, Samantha (Alex), Jordan Simon (his namesake) and his daughter, Wendy. Ron leaves his confidante, partner, devoted primary caregiver and wife of 59 years, Mary Lou (Collins).
GO CAVS, GO BUCKS, GO FALLS BEAT STOW!
ABC Dad, you're finally free....
The family will receive friends on Monday, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday, from 10 to 11 a.m. at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, 3204 Ridgewood Rd., Fairlawn. Trisagion Prayer will be at 7 p.m. Monday. The Funeral Service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday. with Rev. Fr. John Alassaf and Eulogy by Sub-deacon Jeff Reale. Interment will follow at Lakewood Cemetery then a Meal of Mercy will be at St. George Fellowship Centre. In lieu of flowers Memorial donations may be made to St. George Orthodox Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Simon
Sponsored by Akron Beacon Journal.
Daryl Lucien CFHS '67
October 21, 2016
I was fortunate to have had Ron as an art teacher from 7th grade until HS graduation. Without question, he was the most influential of all my teachers. Myself, Greg Thatch, Kathy Burley, and Joan Senn were the first independent study core that was formed under his tutelage and we all spent as many hours each day in that study as we could. Ron's greatest contribution to my development was to recognize my talent and teach me how to think outside of the box, to envision that sooner or later I could do what I was trying to achieve and perhaps prepare me to learn critical thinking. Those traits became part of my makeup in both my art pursuits in college and subsequent ventures in life. Today, in my house, are still artworks hanging and setting on tables that are from junior high and high school. My connections to Ron. I have been forever grateful for knowing him both as a teacher and friend.
Sandi Goson-Gorup
October 19, 2016
Dearest Marylou, Wendy and Family...Ron has left a legacy of a beautiful life, colored with creativity, knowledge, spirituality, generosity, endless humor, and memories for us all. Growing up with our St. George Family gave us gifts of love and never forgotten experiences. Ron was my Mentor in Art, and guided me through my teaching for so many years, that were launched not only at University of Akron, but in the Cuyahoga Falls Art Education System (Grant School). He was always so supportive and kind to lend his time and energy to us all. To this day I continue to follow his words of "never be afraid to express yourself, even if it is outside the norm!" May your Memory Be Eternal Ron...
Love from Sandi & Jeff Gorup
Jeanne Sladky Quiros
October 12, 2016
Mr. Simon made a big imprint on my life at Falls High. Even as a moody teenage, in the class of 1980, I recognized the zest for life he demonstrated, was what I hoped to achieve. As an art student, he taught me to see the positive in every creation, and build on that. All of my mistakes were never seen as mistakes, but something that could be manipulated in a different direction, becoming a new art work.
My fondest memory was driving in his van with a group of art students. I believe we were delivering art to a scholastics competition. Mr. Simon played an 8 track, of Neil Diamond. He sang along with all the songs as he shared the music he enjoyed. I always picture him as he was that time; a joyful man, sharing his happiness, and love for life. His exuberance rubbed of on many people and for me, that was what made him special.
Carol Beha Sweat
October 10, 2016
My condolences to the family, he was an awesome teacher. He will be missed but, not forgotten.
Class of 82
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Chris Kies Schueneman
October 10, 2016
Mr. Simon was a phenomenal teacher! Everyone loved his sense of humor and the ability to creatively push us to go beyond our capabilities. I was lucky to see him at the Natatorium for many years where he daily gave us a joke He will be missed by many .
Kaye Lowe
October 10, 2016
Ron will be missed by so many whose lives he touched. He was a dear friend. Our sincere sympathy to Mary Lou, Wendy, and the family.
Kaye Lowe
Hennessy Funeral Home
October 10, 2016
We would like to offer our deepest condolences at this difficult time.
The Hennessy Family
October 9, 2016
He was an awesome teacher. My condolences to his family.
Erin Radcliffe
October 9, 2016
My heart is so sad to hear the news of Mr. Simons passing. He was my all time favorite teacher all through High School. I went out of my way to take his classes,some times more than once in a day. He implemented an independent study program during my junior year, in which his students could get passes, from our study hall monitors,so we could go to the art department and work on our projects. I had a LOT of study halls ! He even offered classes that were not offered in our usual curriculum. One of those classes was welding. I was the only student who signed up for the class. But, instead of cancelling the class he taught me,(one on one)how to weld. He went so far as to for-go his lunch,in the teachers lounge, to supervise my welding. We became close during that semester because he not only taught me welding but he talked to me like an adult, gave me hope for my future and plotted with me to play practical jokes and pranks on Mr. Tenor , was was our painting teacher, at the time. I ran in to Mr. Simon, often, at art shows, grocery stores and other events. He always had deep down humorous stories to tell my friends about my time in class. He always remembered me and I will NEVER forget him. Peaceful Blessings to all who knew and loved him.
Lorraine Moore
October 9, 2016
Mr. Simon showed me a whole new way of looking at the world and the things in it through his art classes. I have carried these perceptions with me ever since. Thank you Mr. Simon!
My deepest sympathy to his family at the loss of such a kind & talented gentleman.
Lorraine Virgo Moore
CFHS Class of '67
Vicki Galanko
October 9, 2016
My condolences to the entire family. My summer stays with uncle Ron, aunt marylou and Wendy are still such happy memories. Such a fun, warm and loving family. Love you all ... prayers are with you. Vicki Shine Galanko
Sandy Wilkinson
October 9, 2016
Mr.Simon was one of my favorite teachers. My heart goes out to his family and all who knew him. RIP, Mr.Simon.... CFHS Class of 1980
Angela Cash
October 9, 2016
We were privileged to have some GREAT memories of Ron through his work and contributions to our ADA Art Auctions in the early 2000s. Roger had the honor of learning some welding and art sculpturing with him on a collaborative work that was auctioned off and now graces the window of a friend's home. Ron also commissioned a beautiful, large stainless steel sculptural piece of waves/fish for the large 'nook' above the fireplace in our home. I've always remembered him fondly every time I look at it, and treasure it even more now. What a great man and incredible soul we were privileged to get to know! Our prayers and condolences go out to Mary Lou and to all his family.
- Angela & Roger Cash
N Canton OH (formerly of Tallmadge, OH)
Mark Noonan
October 9, 2016
Our condolences on your loss. Mr. Simon was a great teacher and mentor to me and many, many others during his long teaching career. He is fondly remembered as one of those teachers that 60 years later we still think about. Mr. Simon lives on in so many lives he touched.
Mark Noonan
Falls High Class of '68
Falls High Class of '68 40th Reunion
Mark Noonan
October 9, 2016
Crawford Elementary Football coach, 1962
Mark Noonan
October 9, 2016
October 9, 2016
Ron Simon will be surely missed. I have no doubt that his teachings and his art work impacted generations of students. He was my fathers (Brian Heard) dearest friend. I still recall his booming voice and wicked sense of humor.
Please accept our deepest condolences from the Heard family.
-Gregg Heard
October 9, 2016
What a beautiful obituary! I have such wonderful memories of Mr. Simon! Hugs and prayers to you all, and a special hug for Wendy! Much Love, Dana Durbin Lathrop
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