Thomas J. Simon

Thomas J. Simon was born on October 8, 1925 at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI. His parents were Joseph P. and Dorothy S. (Brady) Simon of Manhasset, Long Island, NY.

Thomas attended St. Joseph Elementary School till the age of 11 when his father was transferred to manage the New York City office of Bermingham and Prosser. Thomas attended Forest Hills High School in New York where he played football and ran track. He set a school record in the 100 meter dash and was very proud that he participated in an Invitational in Madison Square Garden.

At the age of 17 he joined the Navy and was assigned to the Destroyer USS Burns 588. His ship was involved in several major battles in the Pacific and received 11 Battle Stars.  Thomas received 6 Battle Stars and the following military medals: American Theater Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon and Victory Medal. After an honorary discharge from the Navy he attended Packard Business School and was in the Business Administration Program.

He met the love of his life Helen Ann Idol while living on Long Island.  They were married and moved back to Kalamazoo, Michigan to start the beginning of their lives together. Thomas worked for Bermingham and Prosser for 38 years before retiring. Helen and Tom had six children: Ann, Thomas, Michael, Danny, Dennis and Patrick (deceased at birth).

At the age of 39, Thomas embarked on a life of sobriety and spiritual connectiveness. He was very involved in the Cursillo movement and made many great friendships. He also started attending Alcoholic Anonymous meetings.  Seeing a need in the community and his commitment to Alcoholic Anonymous led him to help start the Taylor House.  With the help of Father Taylor of St. Thomas Moore Parish and other community leaders, a halfway house for men transitioning to a life of sobriety was founded.  He was on the board of the Kalamazoo Alcohol Addiction Council for many years and provided counsel to numerous persons of the community seeking support in overcoming their addictions. He was very proud to receive his 57 year Medallion this year for 57 years of sobriety. He was active in the St. Joseph Church and sustained many spiritual relationships over the years in the practice of his faith.

Thomas had one of the greatest laughs around, could easily laugh at himself and with others. He liked to play golf, enjoyed Notre Dame Football, was a New York Giants fan. He enjoyed family events like Thanksgiving and Christmas, loved his wife and kids.  He was a man of principle, strong faith in Jesus Christ and a good human being.

He is survived by his brother, James Simon (Jackie), his children Ann (Ray Trevino), Thomas, Michael (Nancy), Danny (Julie), and Dennis (Ingrid). His grandchildren Jesse Lambdin (Eunice), Gail Towne (Scott), Christopher Trevino, Jessica Bell (Nate) and Danny Simon. Also his five great grandchildren. Cousins from the Brady side of the family, Patricia, Marcia, and Bill. Nephews Jimmy, Joe and John Simon.  He will be missed.

Contributions in Thomas’s honor can be made to the Alano Club of Kalamazoo, 933 S. Burdick Street, Kalamazoo MI.

Friends may visit with his family on Saturday, October 8, 2022, from 12:00-1:00 PM, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S. 9th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, where a memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM. Please visit Thomas’ personalized online guestbook at www.langelands.com