John William Simon

The “Roarin’ Twenties” – November 7, 1923 to be exact, was the day that John William Simon was born to John & Bella Simon in Rutherford, New Jersey. Next stop Harlem – where John and his siblings Lois, Eddie and Jack lived a life of middle class comfort on 115th Street – the only family on the block with a car. John attended Cooper High School and by the age of 17 married his childhood sweetheart Mary Outin. They had 2 children, his daughter Sandra and son Richard. John enlisted to fight in WWII and served his country valiantly overseas. Upon his return, he stepped up to the challenge of a family man and worked hard to provide them with the best. He was taught the trade of carpet laying by his soon to be stepfather, Emile Williams, and received his apprenticeship at Paramount Carpet. John, always a go-getter, decided to work for himself. Along with his younger brother Eddie Simon and brother-in-law Isom Outin, they established Ebony Floors in the early seventies. This dynamic threesome built a thriving business in the South Bronx that employed younger male family members and also taught the trade to many young Black men who were unable to find jobs elsewhere. Ebony Floors’ reputation as skilled craftsmen opened the business floodgates earning them a prestigious list of clients, including major banks and the Apollo Theater renovation. Helping others resides at the core of this great man. If in need, whether family or friend, John was always there. He was a proud member of SoBRO (South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation), whose mission is to enhance the quality of life in the South Bronx by strengthening businesses and creating innovative economic, housing, educational, and career development programs for youth and adults. After the passing of his 2nd wife, Sarah, John contemplated leaving Long Island for “The Big Apple” to be near his daughter and grandchildren. BUT the old saying, “good things come to those who wait” rang true when he met Mary Cheeks, the love of his life!!! John and Mary were married in 1991, and that union blended 3 families into one, with Mary as the chief mixologist. Not only did they stay in Huntington, they thrived in the community. John and Mary enjoyed traveling the world, going to the movies and spending quality time with their wonderful community of friends. Thanksgiving at the Simon home became a “new” family tradition! In addition to being a life-long Yankee and Giant loyalist, John was also a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church. You could always count on John to lend a helping hand. He particularly enjoyed serving on ministries which focused on hospitality – preparing breakfasts and spaghetti dinners for parishioners. He was a counter of the weekly Sunday offerings and supported the Harvest Fair. During the years of his illness, he looked forward to pastoral care visits from clergy and lay ministers. John transitioned on Sunday, November 18th at Huntington Hospital. He is survived by his wife Mary, daughter Sandra Tate, step-daughter Kathy Randolph, sisters-in-law Jean Simon, Pauline Turpin, Lelia Frazier, Sandra Frazier, Bettye (Robert) Settles and Louise Horn, brother-in-law Napoleon Cockern, son-in-law Robert A. Tate, Jr., daughter-in-law Lauritta Simon, grandchildren (oldest to youngest) Jeanine, Dawn, Dedra, Johnny (Brett), Sean, Jeffrey, Scott and Allyson; great-grandchildren Robbie, Ashley (Patrick), Deanna, Bria, Emerald, Jian, Richard, Jeffrey and Monet; great-great grandchildren Mya and Aiden; nieces/nephews Cheryl, Denise, Renee, Steven (Blanche), Peggy (Sonny), Doris Jean, Arthur (Esther), Warren, Larry, Gary, Maxine and their respective children. HE DID IT HIS WAY!!!

John William Simon

November 7, 1923 - November 16, 2014