Erik Simons

Erik Simons, 89 of Ithaca passed away on July 12th. As an early teenager, Erik and his family fled Holland, just 3 days before the Nazi's required all Jews to wear yellow stars. After a long journey, Erik arrived in NY City Thanksgiving Day, 1940. Thanksgiving is a holiday that Erik cherished throughout his life. During WW2, he served in the Dutch Army in NY City. Erik earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University in 1949. During his time at Cornell he met and fell in love with his wife of 64 years, Phyllis Meyer.

He and Phyllis lived most of their joyful married life in Spring Valley, NY. They recently moved to Ithaca in efforts to be amongst the community that meant so much to them.

Erik was an auto enthusiast and enjoyed woodworking, photography, and model railroading. Erik lived his life with a curious mind and very able hands. He was a student of how objects operate and fixing anything and everything that wasn't functioning properly. This has been one of his biggest legacies, as he passed the same curiosity and skills (including tools) to his children and grandchildren.

Erik and Phyllis's biggest passion was skiing. In the winter they could be found skiing with their friends from Ramapo Mtn. Ski Club at Mad River Glen in VT. His love for skiing was so vast he spent many years volunteering with National Ski Patrol. During the warmer months, he could be found having fun playing tennis or in the water, sailing, boating, and water-skiing.

Erik is survived by his wife Phyllis, and three sons; Elliot (Maureen) of N. Weymouth, MA; Donald (Kathy) of Ithaca, NY; Stuart (Wendy) of Forest Hills, NY. He has seven grandchildren; Jonathan, Rachel, Michael (Bry), Leah, Ariel, Jeffrey (Valerie), and Jordan, as well as his grand-dog Patch. Erik also leaves his sister Mien of Walnut Creek, CA.

The family wishes to thank everyone involved with Erik's care at Cayuga Medical Center, Brookdale Ithaca and Walden Place for their kindness and compassion.

Friends are invited to attend Erik's funeral at Lake View Cemetery in Ithaca, 1:30 Friday, July 15th, and to join the family for a celebration of his life at Donald & Kathy's residence.

In Erik's memory, his family is participating in Ride for Angels charity cycling event to benefit Angel Flight Northeast. This organization has been most helpful to Erik's family. Memorial donations for Erik may be made at www.simonsstarsangelflight.com or mailed to Angel Flight Northeast at 492 Sutton Street North Andover, MA 01845.