Dr. Joseph L. Simon

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Tufts University University of New Hampshire University of South Florida

Joseph Simon Obituary

SIMON, Dr. Joseph L., Professor Emeritus at the University of South Florida, died on March 22, 2004 in his home in Lutz following a long illness. Born in Everett, Mass. on March 16, 1937, Joseph Simon graduated from Tufts University in 1958 and received a doctorate in Zoology in 1963 from the University of New Hampshire working under the direction of the renowned polychaet expert, Dr. Marion Pettibone. The following year he joined the recently founded University of South Florida in Tampa where he proceeded to make his mark as teacher- mentor and researcher. The first faculty member to reach the million-dollar mark in sponsored research, he helped to create the University's first doctoral program (Biology) in 1967 and was the major professor of USF's first recipient of a doctorate in 1970. His work as a marine biologist specializing in the ecology of Tampa Bay continues to be cited to this day. An inspiring, yet demanding, classroom teacher, Joseph Simon was presented with numerous awards for excellence in teaching. He also represented USF both nationally, by becoming president of the American Society of Zoology, as well as on the international level as a Fulbright Scholar in Taiwan in 1989-90. Beginning with his undergraduate years, Joseph Simon was actively involved in the arts, especially theater, and he was well known in our area as a generous supporter of theater groups on both sides of the Bay. Perhaps his favorite organization was Tampa's StageWorks where he once served as president of the Board, and he counted a large number of local actors and directors among his personal friends. In recent years, Mr. Simon traveled frequently to Europe with a special fondness for France and Portugal. Both countries provided inspiration for his achievements as an amateur gourmet chef whose dinner parties were legendary. As dedicated to a rich social life as he was to the arts and his scientific pursuits, Joseph Simon enjoyed a wide range of social activities, from the world of academe a nd the arts to chatting with other Friday night regulars at a north Tampa neighborhood bar. He is fondly remembered by many close friends from Tampa to Lisbon and Taipeh. Joseph Simon was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Mildred Simon of Lexington, Mass.; and his sister, Elizabeth Galvin of Dudley, Mass. He is survived by a brother-in-law, Mr. Frank Galvin of Dudley; a nephew, Timothy Galvin and family of Dudley; a second nephew, Scott Galvin and spouse, residing in New Jersey; and by his companion, Richard A. Preto-Rodas of Tampa. Cremation is arranged by the Neptune Society with a private memorial scheduled for later this spring. Donations in his memory may be made to StageWorks of Tampa as well as to WUSF-FM.

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Published by TBO.com on Mar. 24, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Simon

9 Entries

Carl Bramson, MD

May 7, 2025

A wonderful professor of Invertebrate Zoology, and wonderful to spend time with him and listen to him speak of the evolutionary phylogeny of invertebrate species. He knew how to have fun times and to teach students who were truly interested in the subject matter. What a fine, wonderful teacher who I wish I could have came back to visit at USF to check in with him.

Brandt Henningsen

April 14, 2004

I first met Dr. Simon during the summer of 1977 when I was a new graduate student at USF. During my tenure as a graduate student, Dr. Simon was always there for me, giving me encouragement and guidance. It would be fair to say that I may not have been a successful graduate without his support. We will all miss his passion for science, teaching, excellence, and that special energy and wit that could only come from Dr. Simon. I think it is especially fitting that a part of Dr. Simon will be recycled through the Tampa Bay ecosystem, a system that he loved dearly. Like George Bailey, I hope Dr. Simon realized how many lives he touched.

Suzanne Bolton

April 12, 2004

“Dr. Simon”, I say that title with great respect, admiration, and sadness because we have too few great teachers in our lives and Dr. Simon has left us far too soon. While I grew to call him Joe as I advanced from student to colleague, “Dr. Simon” flows more easily for he remained my mentor through the years. We first met in 1967 in Woods Hole, MA, and because of him and his graduate students, I decided to pursue an advanced degree at the University of South Florida. Whether serving as a committee member, teaching invert or evolution, or providing counsel, this special man challenged us to ask questions and ask more questions. He did not suffer fools easily but he recognized native intellect and encouraged it. His courses were encyclopedic and many of us still cherish our valuable and meticulous notes from his classes. (I regret that I did not ask for the updated material that he later put on a website for more current students to use.)

He exposed us to a continuous retinue of marine scientists who visited the University and gave seminars on their way through Florida. But seminars were never enough and we were routinely treated to evenings with these guests in Joe’s home. Even the shiest of us had a chance to discuss science with notables others only knew from the literature. He continued to try so hard to spark real interest in inquiry in his students, but wearied of a trend of students just seeking a degree.

Whether as teacher, gourmet chef, world traveler or theater angel, Joe Simon gave the University, the city of Tampa, his students and friends far more than he received in return. He will be missed by many but I know I will think fondly of him every time I have an invert or ecology issue that dogs me and I have no Joe Simon with whom to confer.

Walter Diehl

April 1, 2004

Joe Simon was one of a very small set of faculty who had a profound influence on my academic interests and career. More than anything he taught me to pay attention to what was happening around me in all areas of academic life. I still benefit from that lesson, and I will miss him.

Wes Shockley

March 26, 2004

Dr. Simon was the best teacher I've ever seen. I took the three courses he taught when I was an undergraduate student, the highlight being invertebrate zoology. He was energetic, enthusiastic about the material despite the number of times he had taught the course, and his presentation of the material(particularly his theatrical gesticulation) was incomparable.

I got to know Joe better as his research assistant and when he was my TA supervisor. He was fun to work for and had a delightful sense of humor. I am a shy person who makes awkward first impressions, and I believe his recommendation was instrumental to my acceptance into the graduate program. He helped me a great deal in my personal development and, once I got to know him, he never failed to make me smile(or laugh). I'm sure every one who knew him well will miss him as much as I do.

Bill Conner

March 25, 2004

Dr. Simon nurtured a wonderful community of young graduate students during the early 1970s. It was my good fortune to become part of that scene for a few special years. I learned invertebrate zoology while teaching in his lab sections and remember the Hypothetical Ancestral Mollusk even to this day. Learnings in marine ecology from USF have served me well through the decades, thanks to Dr. Simon. He was a great mentor.

We spend our years as though we had an endless supply. Joe's passing reminds us that this is not the case. I think that he would want us to remember that, as we continue to journey down life's highway.

Ralph Lombardo

March 24, 2004

There are a few people in the world who make a difference. Some in small ways some in large. For me, the difference he made in my life was tremendous. Joe was a teacher /mentor and mostly a friend who I will miss greatly.

Diane Boutilier/Brisson

March 24, 2004

My heart is so sad to hear that my cousin Joe has passed on. We have so many happy memories of our cousin and visiting his mom and dad's home in Lexington. He was the apple of their eyes and he adored his parents and his super sister Betty. His nephews became his life once his sister passed on and they, to, loved him dearly. Joe will be sadly missed by his Aunt Margie, Uncle Boots, Cousins Diane, Tim, Steve and Lynn. God, please take our cousin and love him as we have. Your cousin, Diane

Stuart Santos

March 24, 2004

Goodby old friend. I thank you for showing me how to develop and refine my ability as a teacher and researcher. You were an inspirational teacher and many of us (and more importantly our students) benefited greatly in our academic careers by emulating your tireless efforts. I hope you have now found the peace that you always sought and so richly deserved.

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