Obituary of Robert A. Simon Sr.

Robert A. Simon, Sr., "Bob" peacefully went to his lord and savior on November 15, 2024 surrounded by loved ones. Bob was born in Kingston, PA to Anna (Zurenda) and Joseph Simon on March 25, 1933. He is survived by his wife and best friend Mary Ellis Simon, whom he loved with all his heart, his sons Robert Jr. (Trisha), Scott, Cary (Nicola), Dean, who were his pride and joy, his sisters Mary (Walter) Morton and Dorothy Simon, sister-in-law Patricia Simon, brother and sister-in-law John and Maureen Ellis, his grandchildren, Robert 3rd, Cory (Brittany), Brandon and Austin, great grandchildren Alexandria, Piper, and Colton as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bob is also survived by a niece, Val Botts, who he helped raise like a daughter and Austin's mother, Sherry Knickerbocker, who he also loved like a daughter. He is predeceased by brothers, Joseph Simon (infant) and Joseph D. Simon. A devout religious man, Bob brought joy to all those he met, often described by others as "the kindest and most gentle man" they ever met. Always playful with a great sense of humor, he was referred to as "Uncle Bob" by countless friends and children he met. Bob's father passed at a young age and as the oldest he helped raise his younger siblings. Bob was an extremely hardworking and honest man. He started off working in a shoe factory on 2nd shift while in high school to help support the family. Bob moved on to complete a Mechanical Engineering degree through Penn State, sponsored by Westinghouse. Over the years, Bob owned and sold many businesses with various partners. Given his love of sports, highlights were The Highland Racket and Riding Club and the Triple City Flyers, a pro basketball team. He retired as President and CEO of SWS, Inc. In 1980, Bob moved to Montrose. During the day, you could find him out in the yard tending to his lawn, working in a flower bed or finishing up one of his many "projects" before heading inside to watch his beloved New York Yankees at night while putting together a puzzle with Mary. He had many hobbies: playing sports, golfing, painting wooden ducks or fixing anything he could with his hands. Bob deeply valued time spent with friends and family and seeing the successes of those he loved. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Vincent de Paul Blessed Sacrament Church, Clubhouse Road, Vestal, Monday, December 2, 2024 at 12 noon. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City at the convenience of the family. The family will receive friends at St. Vincent de Paul Blessed Sacrament Church, Monday December 2 from 11 a.m. until 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry, STVBS, 165 Clifton Blvd. Vestal NY 13850, Good Shepard Communities Foundation, 32 Village Dr. Endwell, NY 13760, or a charity of your choice.