In Loving Memory of Jerry Simon

Jerry, beloved husband, father, stepfather, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, businessman, business partner, mentor and friend, passed away at the age of 90, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of love, wisdom, generosity, and friendship.

For 60 years, Jerry built a distinguished career as a Northwestern Mutual life insurance agent, where his intelligence, discipline, integrity, and genuine care for people earned him the trust and respect of generations of clients, colleagues, and friends. He was not simply a businessman; he was a mentor to many and someone whose advice, guidance, and friendship continued long beyond the business relationship.

He lived his life with purpose and remarkable consistency. Brilliantly intelligent, organized, scheduled, and regimented, Jerry believed in doing things the right way—and usually had a plan for exactly how and when it should be done. He famously ate an apple a day, a small reflection of the discipline he brought to nearly everything in life.

Outside of work, Jerry found great joy in the outdoors. He was an avid fly fisherman and hunter and loved traveling, exploring countries and cultures all over the world. Some of his favorite adventures were shared with close friends, creating memories, stories, and experiences that would be cherished for years to come. He collected not only destinations, but friendships wherever he went.

Above all, Jerry cherished his family. He adored his wife of 40 years, Sharon, with whom he shared his life, his adventures, and the everyday moments that made their years together so special. He spoke about Sharon often and with unmistakable love and admiration. Their life together was one of his greatest joys.

Jerry was also incredibly proud of his children, Chad and Stacie. Together, they navigated the complexities of blending a family with patience, love, and understanding, creating a family bond that meant so much to him. Jerry took great pride in the way they supported one another and in the family they built together. Seeing his children grow, build their own lives, and create a close and loving family was one of his greatest sources of happiness.

He treasured his grandchildren, Jordan and Addison Rich, and took enormous pride in them. And then there were his beloved dogs, Dude and DJ, whom he loved almost as much as his grandchildren—which, for anyone who knew Jerry, was saying a lot. He talked about them constantly, and they brought him an extraordinary amount of happiness.

Jerry was a generous man who gave freely of his time, knowledge, resources, and friendship. He had a sharp mind, a strong sense of responsibility, and a wonderful ability to make people feel that they mattered. He was a man people turned to for advice, a man who could be counted on, and a man whose presence made a lasting impression.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Sharon Simon; his children, Chad Houfek and Stacie Rich; his grandchildren, Jordan and Addison Rich; his brother, Daniel Simon, and sister-in-law, Patty Simon; his son-in-law, Jay Rich; in-laws Robert and Janette Carriere; daughters Stacey and Marcy; granddaughter Miriam; and dozens of dear friends who were considered family, many of whom shared decades of friendship, laughter, adventures, travels, and memories with Jerry.

As a Jewish husband, father, grandfather, brother, father-in-law, and friend, family was at the center of Jerry’s life. He leaves behind a family who will miss his wisdom, his stories, his routines, his generosity, and all of the unmistakable qualities that made him who he was.

His life was long, full, productive, and deeply meaningful. He traveled far, worked hard, loved deeply, and touched countless lives along the way.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those fortunate enough to have known and loved him.