Ronald John Simon

Ronald John Simon passed away at home surrounded by family on February 13, 2025. He was born on July 22, 1933. Married his sweetheart of 65 years strong, Karen Soderberg on January 25, 1960. He is survived by his wife and five children, John Simon, Don Simon (Jennifer), Felicia O'Brien (Darien), Jessie Adams (Greg) and Rick Simon (Michelle). He leaves behind a strong family legacy of 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Noemie Simon and three siblings, Edwin Simon Jr, Betty Hatfield and Charles (Buddy) Simon.

Ron was born and raised in Norco LA, just outside New Orleans. He was raised in the outdoors; hunting, fishing, searching the bayous for crawfish and frog legs. Gumbo flowed through his veins. He was the first in his family to attend college and graduated from LSU in Mechanical Engineering. Go Tigers! He then left Louisiana for California and the aerospace industry, and enrolled in the Air Force Reserves, traveling to Germany and Colorado, leaving as a Captain.

His love of music led him to his favorite artist, Hank Williams. He once saw Hank in New Orleans where he played 10 encores. This led to his purchasing and playing his beloved Martin guitar for the rest of his life. All his kids can sing to you of Jambalaya and Hey Good Looking!

He was an avid sailor who built his own first boat, The Rebel and had future Rebels, and instilled a love of the water into all who would accompany him onboard.

He settled back in California where he met the love of his life Karen Soderberg. A feisty native who was a police officer, they started a family right away and had 5 children over 12 years. He worked for Aerojet and Honeywell, which transferred him out to Florida.

They settled into a wonderful neighborhood of young couples with kids and made lifelong friends. He loved to bowl and was on leagues with the neighborhood couples. Florida was a thrill for him as he could drive to see the launches at Cape Canaveral. He loved Space and was glad to be working with the space program as an engineer and then quality control.

He was a strong Catholic, who participated in his Florida church, Blessed Sacrament, for most of his time in Florida. He was one of the first four eucharistic ministers ordained in his parish, was an usher and member of the Holy Name Society. He was a source of inspiration to many of faith and service.

After retirement he took up wood carving, gifting all his progeny with his creations. He loved to work jigsaw puzzles in his last years, he was the puzzlemaster!

Scheduled Funeral Services

April 8, 2025 @ 10:30 am

Blessed Sacrament Church

11565 66th Ave N

Seminole, FL 33772

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Ron’s name to the SPCA of Tampa Bay.