May 31, 1943 – March 4, 2026
John F. Simon age 82, of Bradford and formerly of Russia passed away at 10:23 pm Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at his residence.
John was born on May 31, 1943, in Piqua to the late James & Mary (Peltier) Simon. He is also preceded in death by a brother, David Simon, and sister, Jane Monnin.
John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary A. (Hemmelgarn) Simon whom he married August 5, 1967; children, Anthony Simon of Troy, Tracy Simon of California, and Jason & Melanie Simon of Springboro; grandchildren, Matthew Simon, Olivia Simon, Samantha Simon, and Peyton Cook; siblings, William & Elizabeth Simon of Lexington, Kentucky, Thomas & Wilma Simon of New Bremen, Timonthy & Peg Simon Houston, Edward Simon of Sparks, Nevada, Jerold J. Simon of Springfield, Susan & Lowell Wolaver of Fort Loramie, and Steve & Gail Simon of Sidney; in-laws, Rebecca Simon of Greenville, and Gery & Sandy Monnin of Tipp City; and numerous nieces and nephews.
John served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He retired in 2002 from General Motors in Dayton with 27 years of service. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Bradford. Lifetime member of the V.F.W. and Covington Am Vets Post #66. John loved to travel, spend time with his family, racing, and woodworking.
A prayer service will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Bailey Zechar Funeral Home with Deacon Mike Meyer officiating. Burial will follow in St. Valbert Cemetery in Versailles with full military honors. The family will receive friends Thursday from 9:00 to 11:00 am at the funeral home. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.zecharbailey.com for the Simon family.
