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BORN
1922
DIED
2016
Donald Simon Obituary
1922-2016
Born in San Francisco on January 30, 1922 to Maude and Jerome Simon and died in Rancho Mirage, CA on December 12, 2016 just a little more than month before he would have celebrated his 95th birthday.Don graduated from Washington High school followed by graduation from the University of California, Berkeley. Upon graduation he was commissioned in the United States Navy and was sent by the Navy to the Harvard Business School before serving as a purser on the jeep carrier Petroff Bay which was the only carrier not hit during the battle of Leyete Gulf which was the largest naval battle of WWII, however the ship was just a few feet from being hit by a Kamikaze plane.
After the war he returned to San Francisco and entered the family business (Simon Mattress SERTA) founded by his grandfather who came from Alabama to help rebuild the City after the Fire and Quake of 1906. He spent his working life at the company with the exception of being called back into the Navy for the Korean War just prior to his daughter's birth and served two more years as a naval officer.
Don met his then future wife to be in 1949 and they married in 1950 which lead to a 67 year journey through life together. They have three children Ann Simon Pier (Chip), Donny Simon (Kass), and Keith Simon (ME) war.
Don loved being an eagle scout as well as being Lt Commander in the navy but he returned to the mattress business where he went on to expand the company into three manufacturing facilities (San Francisco, the Pacific North West, and Hawaii). He served on the board of SERTA and was its chairman for ten years and was active in the International Sleep Products Assn serving on it board as well as its chairman. One of the memorable perks of being chairman was being invited to be a guest speaker, along with a Member of Parliament, for the British Bedding Assn in Chester England.
Don was pre deceased by his sister Nancy and survived by his wife Ronny, his three children, nine grandchildren, three and a half great grandchildren and by his cousin Scott and beloved Cuz Lois.
Don led his life to its fullest in work, partying snow skiing, boating and not so good golf.
A celebration of his life will be held on January 7th at 11:30 AM in the Clubhouse at the Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage. Donations should be made to your favorite charity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Simon
February 13, 2017
RONNY
JUST LEARNED OF DONS PASSING IN BEDDING MAGAZINE. HE WAS MY FAVORITE OF ALL. ALWAYS ENJOYED OUR BUSINESS TIME TOGETHER AND VISITING SOCIAL TIME WITH BOTH OF YOU. HOPE THIS BRIEF NOTE FINDS YOU AND FAMILY WELL. MY BEST TO ALL.
ALAN H GOFF
Carol Benioff
January 22, 2017
Ann, Ronny, Donald, Keith,
Sorry to hear of Donald's passing.
I have many fond memories of time spent in your home.
Carol
January 6, 2017
God bless Don Simon, a great man. He was hard working, honest and loyal. His successes came from his heart, the proof is in his 3 children and wonderful wife, as they, too, have his same characteristics. This is such a loss to all who knew him. I am sending my love and thoughts to Don, Ann, Keith and Ronnie. Thank God you had him for this many years. Apparently I could have played golf with him. They don't make many men like Don anymore. God bless Ronnie now with strength. All my love,
Valerie Erickson
Nancy Sanders
January 6, 2017
Jay and I are remembering the fun times with you Ronny, and Don on our ski trips to Colorado.
We are thinking of you and praying for good memories to help you and your family during this time.
With love, Nancy & Jay Sanders
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Kathy and Bruce Delaney/Cervone
January 2, 2017
I was so saddened to read of Don's passing in this morning's newspaper. For the past few years, my husband and I have been seated next to Ronny and Don at the Friends of the Philharmonic concerts at the McCallum. Our first concert of the season is Friday night and we were looking forward to seeing them. Don liked to tell my husband that I was the only reason he came to the concerts. (We had a similar taste in music and both got very grumbly whenever they did Wagner!) He was a dear man, a gentleman and a patriot. We wish him God speed and offer our condolences to Ronny and his children and grandchildren on their loss. Rest in peace Don.
Kathy and Bruce Delaney/Cervone
January 2, 2017
My husband and I have had the pleasure of being seated next to Ronny and Don at the Friends of the Philharmonic concerts at the McCallum for the past few years. I was so saddened to read of his passing in this morning's newspaper. Our first concert is this weekend and I was looking forward to seeing him Friday night. He was a darling man and he liked to tell my husband that I was the only reason he came to the concerts. He was a true gentleman and a patriot. We wish him God speed and our condolences to Ronny and his children and grandchildren on their loss.
Paul Alloy
January 2, 2017
Our condolence to Ronny and your family.
Although it is sad to lose those that are dear to us there is comfort in remembering all the times they made such a difference in our lives.
With deepest sympathy,
Paul & Bernice Alloy
Argene Giorgi
January 1, 2017
My condolences to Ronny, Ann, Donny, Keith, and your families. I have many wonderful, funny, and entertaining memories of being with Don and the Simon family. Don was one great guy! You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Herbert Marcus
January 1, 2017
Don will be greatly missed by many. Thoughts and prayers with Ronnie and all of the family.
Susan and Herbert Marcus
January 1, 2017
So sorry to read of Don's passing (just 3 months after Al's) - deepest condolences and sympathy to you, Ronny, and to all the family - another lovely man, gone away.
Fondly,
Marilyn Benioff
Mary Meier Ryan
December 31, 2016
Our condolences and healing are being sent to the entire family at this difficult time. Lots of memories growing up with the Simon family in San Francisco.
GWHS Alumni Association
December 28, 2016
Our condolences to the Simon family. We have precious few "Pioneer Class" alums still with us, losing each one is losing a little bit of our history. Unfortunately we'd lost track of Don a decade ago and had unsuccessfully tried to find him since then. We'll pay tribute to him in our next newsletter.
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