May God grant you always...
A sunbeam to warm you,
A moonbeam to charm you,
A sheltering angel, so nothing can harm you.

Here at the Save Ardmore Coalition it is no great secret that we are a pretty tight bunch, a family of sorts. Well, on December 28th one of us, Richard "Si" Simons, lost his father, John L. Simons of Havertown.

Losing a loved one at any time of year is difficult, but to lose someone around the holidays is definitely tough and equally poignant and bittersweet. Si's dad had an amazing life and was also a World War II Veteran. We always have a soft spot for our veterans, so we are also sad that another hero of the "Greatest Generation" has gone to God.

Mr. Simons had a long and fascinating career not only with the United States Navy, but with ARCO and Western Environmental Engineers. He was Valedictorian of his class at Villanova University (1938, and also earned a Masters in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan.

While in the Navy, where he ultimately reached the rank of Captain, Mr. Simons bore witness to the atomic bomb testing in the Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Need to be reminded of this historic event? Well here take a peek at this:

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060
Operation Crossroads: Bikini Atoll

Operation Crossroads was an atmospheric nuclear weapon test series conducted in the summer of 1946 at Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands. The series consisted of two detonations, a low altitude test and a shallow water test. The devices, each with a yield of 21 kilotons, were named shots ABLE and BAKER. A planned third test, a deep underwater detonation, was canceled after the second test.

The series was intended to study the effects of nuclear weapons on warships, equipment, and material. These tests would provide important information on the survivability of warships in the event of nuclear war.

Mr. Simons was also a devoted father and family man, as well as a beloved member of his Havertown community. Mr. Simons was also active in his Church, St. Denis of Havertown.

The Save Ardmore Coalition extends our deepest collective sympathies to Si, his mother Marie, and the rest of the Simons family.

John L. Simons

Dec. 28, 2007. Beloved husband of Marie (nee Goldschmidt) Simons of Havertown PA. Father of John L. Simons Jr. (Barbara), Richard J., Simons (Bobbi), Edward L. Simons (Carla), Lawrence G. Simons (Kathy); also survived by 8 grand-children. Brother of Sr. Genevieve Mary I.H.M., Anne Mackin, Rita Liebchen, and the late Rev. Edward J. Simons O.S.F.S, and Joseph L. Simons.

Mr. Simons was Valedictorian of Villanova University class of 1938 and earned a masters degree in chemical engineering from University of Michigan, joined the US Navy in 1941 as a ammunition expert and reached the rank of Captain during reserve duty. He was present during the atomic bomb testing in the Bikini Island in 1946.

He had a long and distinguished career in private industry and technical writing working for Arco and Weston Environmental Engineers.

Relatives and friends are invited to THE FUNERAL HOME OF JOHN STRETCH, E. Eagle and St. Denis Rds., Havertown Wed. 7-9 PM and Thurs. after 9 AM followed by Mass of Christian Burial at St. Denis Church at 11 AM. Int. St. Denis Cem. Donations may be made in Mr. Simons' name to Camilla Hall, Immaculata, PA 19345 or Annecy Hall at DeSales Center in Childs Maryland 21916

Guest Book for John L. Simons

Si, we bet your father is looking down on you from Heaven wearing his favorite bow tie...and we are so sorry for your loss.

Pax