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Robert

(A.)

Simons

Obituary

Robert A. Simons, 81 of West Hartford, husband of Barbara (Hoffman) Simons died Thursday, February 12, 2015 at home surrounded by his family. Bob was born on June 13, 1933 in Hartford. Raised in a single-parent household, Bob began his business career at 13 years old, putting newspapers together for Kopplemann’s during the week and selling them from a stand at a local church on weekends. In high school, Bob developed into a standout baseball player with the help of a coach at Weaver High School who held practices for him before school so that he could participate in the team’s games. Bob was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War and played shortstop while stationed in Waikiki Beach. He went to college on the G.I. Bill and played baseball at The University of Hartford, where he graduated from the Barney School of Business in 1959. While there, Bob met his wife of 56 years, Barbara. Besides his wife, Bob is survived by his children Harris and his wife Linda of West Hartford, Bruce and his wife Elisabeth of West Hartford, and Sharon and her husband Jeff of Rye, NY. He leaves his sister Judy Klemba and her husband John of West Hartford, his sister-in-law Ferne Hoffman of Bloomfield, and his brother Howard Simons of NJ. He also leaves 9 beloved grandchildren Jacquelyn, Austin, Charlie and Ted Simons, Jenna, Sydnie and Aidan Cammisa, and Madeline and Jack Reich.

In 1961, Bob met Carl Hurwit playing softball for Conn’s King’s, and they founded Hurwit & Simons Realtors, a residential brokerage company with 14 offices, over 300 sales agents, and a significant commercial brokerage operation. As Founding Principal of Simons Real Estate Group and Figure Eight Properties, Bob was the proverbial rainmaker, leading investment and development for medical, office, apartment and industrial properties, condominium conversion, and residential subdivision development. His offices spanned across several states, including Atlanta, Houston, North Carolina, Round Rock, Salt Lake City and San Francisco. He was Chairman of a Houston asset management affiliate for several thousands of residential units throughout Texas. He also developed and owned many notable properties in Greater Hartford such as Corporate Center West and Town Center in West Hartford and 10 Talcott Notch Road and FarmGlen in Farmington. Bob adored, loved, and was devoted to the people who worked with him. He felt that one of his greatest accomplishments was leaving behind a thriving company.

Bob was also co-founder of Medical Management and Development Corporation, a pioneer in the development and operation of privately held, freestanding ambulatory surgical centers. The company developed and owned surgical centers in Hartford, Bridgeport, Danbury, Waterbury and Stamford and managed centers in New Haven and Worcester before being acquired by a public company.

Bob lived with a larger than life passion and heartfelt love for his family and his friends. He was a loyal supporter and confidant to his many talented friends in business and politics. He cherished the times when he would share a great meal, a fine cigar and a single malt scotch with his friends. And, for 30 years, he loved to share a day in his field box at Yankee Stadium with his friends for what was always more than just a game.

Throughout his career, Bob assumed leadership roles in business, community, and public service organizations. He served as a member of the advisory board for Fleet Bank of Connecticut, a director of the Y.M.C.A., a member of the Hartford Downtown Council, a Board member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, President of Hartford Hillel Foundation, a member of the Board of UCONN Cancer Research, and a member of the Board of Regents for The Bushnell Theatre. Bob was also a member of the Board of Regents at his alma mater, the University of Hartford, where he was the recipient of the Vincent B. Coffin Athletic Excellence Award. Bob supported numerous charities and non-profit organizations and was grateful to give back to his community and friends whenever he was given the opportunity.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, February 16, 2015 at 1:00 pm at Beth El Temple, 2626 Albany Avenue, West Hartford with burial in Beth El Cemetery, Avon. A memorial period will be observed at 115 High Ridge Road in West Hartford from Monday following the funeral through Wednesday. Memorial contributions may be made to Hillel at The University of Hartford or to the Northwest Boys and Girls Club, 1 Nahum Drive, Hartford, CT 06112.

The family wishes to thank Lucretia, Debra, and Johnoy for their exemplary care and devotion during Bob’s illness. Also, a special thanks to Dr. Paul Guardino for the professional manner in which he took care of Bob. For further information, directions or to sign the guest book for Bob, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals/cfm.

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Robert Simons

(A.)

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From: Seymour & Eileen Grobard

From Suwanee, Ga

Posted On: April 1, 2015

Rest in peace my friend. No longer in pain.
We will see you again with a card game and sit and remember our memories from years gone by.
Eileen & Seymour Grobard

From: Dr.Lee S Hauer

From Hollywood, FL

Posted On: February 15, 2015

Bob was a patient of mine in Boynton Beach and I helped him with his dental issues. When I told him I was planing a special weekend for my oldest son Ross' 21st birthday at a Yankees game in New York, he had a bigger plan in mind. We were his guests for one of the most memorable times in our lives, a Legends Yankees game experience. He was so gracious, kind and generous And I will never for get that day. Bob, Rest In Peace. He were a great man and you left a wonderful legacy.

From: al parven

From palm beach, fl

Posted On: February 15, 2015

SANDY AND AL PARVEN EXPRESS OUT DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE ENTIRE FAMILY IN THIS MOST DIFFICULT TIME.

From: hyla and harry Sklar

From West Hartford, ct

Posted On: February 15, 2015

Our deepest sympathies for your loss.
Now Bobby and Carl can join Syd Conn on the baseball field again
Bobby was a true genlteman
May he rest in piece

From: elsa and peter gassner

From sedona, az

Posted On: February 15, 2015

Dear Barbara and family,
We were deeply saddened to read the news about Bob. You are all in our thoughts and we wish to extend our sincere sympathy to you . We hope all of your happy memories will help you through this sad time.
fondly,
elsa and peter

From: Gregory & Sharon Doble

From Farmington, CT

Posted On: February 15, 2015

To Barbara, Harris, Bruce, & Sharon:
With deepest sympathy.
Greg and Sharon Doble

From: Joan and Len Glazier

From West Hartford, CT

Posted On: February 15, 2015

Len and I were so sorry to read about Bob's passing. He was such a genuine and caring person. Our deepest sympathy to Barbara and her entire family.

From: Rochelle & David Fierston

From Boca Raton, FL

Posted On: February 15, 2015

So sorry to hear of Bobs passing. We send our sincere condolences to you and your family.

From: Doris and Alan Kosloff

From Bloomfield, Connecticut

Posted On: February 16, 2015

Bobby- We will see you in Yankees Universe forever!

From: Margie Brower

From The Villages, Fl

Posted On: February 16, 2015

I was so sad to read the news about Bob,brings back lots of memories of 60's and 70's my sympathy to you and your family. Margie

From: Reyna Meltzer

From Wellington, Fl.

Posted On: February 16, 2015

My deepest condolences to you and your family. Bob will be missed! Reyna

From: Tony Rossitto

From West Hartford, CT

Posted On: February 16, 2015

Bob Simons is such a great person. Bob is a shining example of one fulfilling life's maximum potential. More importantly, Bob contributed greatly to everyone he knew and the entire Hartford community. We all often will happily reflect upon him with these exemplary and warm thoughts.

Tony & Behnoosh Rossitto

From: Russell Schwartz

From West Hartford, CT

Posted On: February 16, 2015

Our deepest condolences to you on Bob's passing. Please know that you are all in our thoughts.

Freda, Lenny, Russell & Randall Schwartz

From: Ruth weisenberg

From Boynton beach, Fl

Posted On: February 16, 2015

Dear Barbara, steve and I send our deepest sympathy to you and your family at this difficult time. Ruth Weisenberg

From: Michael Pariano

From Avon, Ct

Posted On: February 15, 2015

Harris and Bruce,
I am very sorry for the deep loss you have suffered. I only met your Father twice however both meetings were memorable. Although I was, and am, a relatively small tenant of Simons Real Estate Group/Figure 8, your Father took the time to get to know me and my business. He was a great and caring man with incredible integrity. My thoughts are with you and your entire family. Sincerely, Mike

From: Carol Rizzuto

From Torrington, CT

Posted On: February 15, 2015

Barbara, Harris and Bruce. My deepest sympathy to you and your entire family. I so enjoyed my 10 years at J&S and especially working for Bob. He was the best boss - always kind, respectful, generous, humble, intelligent and a joy to work for. He loved his family, the UConn Men's basketball team and, of course, the New York Yankees. I've kept in touch with Kandi Shappy, and will fondly remember Bob and the many others in the 1992-2001 J&S era. Love to all of you. - Carol Rizzuto.

From: Cal Caldarella

From Old Saybrook, Ct.

Posted On: February 15, 2015

To the Simons Family,

My sincerest sympathy to you on the passing of Robert.

Cal Caldarella

From: Greg Shefrin

From NY, New York

Posted On: February 14, 2015

I got to know Bob when Bruce and I used to carouse around town back in our high school, college and post-college days. Bob was a great guy; he always had time to talk and catch up. Love and condolences to Barbara, Sharon, Bruce and Harris.

From: Brendan Kennedy

From New Britain, Ct

Posted On: February 21, 2015

My condolences to Bruce , Harris & family. I was out of State when I heard of Bobs passing & unfortunately missed the service . Enjoyed the conversations in the Office about his Yankees & my Red Sox. My prayers & thoughts are with your family. Brendan Kennedy.

From: Alvin Reiner

From West Hartford, CT

Posted On: February 14, 2015

Memories mixed with tears for a great loss.

From: Joe DeLucco

From West Hartford, CT

Posted On: February 14, 2015

To my old friends Bruce and Harris: It has been more than 4 decades since we were teammates on a summer baseball team at KP, but I have never forgotten the fun we had together as kids playing a game we loved. Your father's obituary included mention of his being a standout baseball player at Weaver High School. About a decade before your father played ball at Weaver, my father also played ball there. What a remarkable and accomplished life your father led, serving his country, building a successful business, being an exemplary leader and along with your mother raising a family. I will keep your Dad and your family in my prayers, and offer my sincere condolences at what I am sure is a difficult time for all of you. Sincerely, Joe DeLucco.

From: Bill Hunter & Family

From Southington, CT

Posted On: February 14, 2015

Barbara,Sharon,Harris,Bruce & Families:
My brother Bob and I extend our deepest condolences to you at this time.
There are memories that will live on forever.His greatest accomplishment was
his family whom he was so proud.
Peace Be With You.
Bill and Bob Hunter

From: Robert and Rhonda Sattin

From St. Petersburg, FL

Posted On: February 14, 2015

Bob will be sorely missed by us, as extended family, by his family and by the community. He was a man of substance and of caring and of achievement.

Our condolences to Bruce and the Simons family

From: Marlene Votion

From Camarillo, CA

Posted On: February 13, 2015

You stayed with my Mom and Dad when you came out of the army,
I remember that well. Goodbye Cuz, we will all see you soon!

From: Desmond Ebanks

From West Hartford, CT

Posted On: February 17, 2015

With deep sympathies, I send condolences to Mr. Simons family and friends

From: Marshall Rulnick

From Bloomfield, CT

Posted On: February 13, 2015

I played softball with Bob & Carl in the '60s. Bob was a better shortstop than I, but he volunteered to move to second base so that the "college kid" could play his position. I also treasure the times we were together at TBCC and at the Toppers meetings for so many years A great and caring person in every respect....I will miss him very much. Sincere condolences to Barbara and family.

From: Howard Sovronsky

From West Hartford, Ct

Posted On: February 13, 2015

Ruth and I extend our deepest condolences to Barbara and the entire family for your loss. Robert was a significant force in our Jewish community. On behalf of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford I want to express our deep sense of sorrow. May his memory be of a blessing.

From: Marc Abrahms

From bloomfield, Ct

Posted On: February 13, 2015

Bob was a good and great man. caring,sensitive,supportive and kind.I remember when I was very young and he played baseball in back of our home at King Philip School. he always had time and interest in everyone and he talked with enthusiasm and sensitivity to all of the young people. he always wished good things for others and was enormously supportive of a diverse multiplicity of non profits. bob cared deeply and passionately about his family and his vast extended family. I was very lucky to be his friend. Marc c.Abrahms

From: malcolm r. casway

From Boynton Beach, fl

Posted On: February 13, 2015

so sorry for your loss. Bob was a good friend of mine when i first came to west hartford in 1964. we played together in some games with connskings for the late sid conn. in softball.. anytime i saw bob in west hartford he always asked how my family was. he was a
great person as well as a respected man in our community of west hartford. to the family julie and i send our condolences . may he rip.
he will be missed.

julie & malcolm casway

From: Jay Leipzig and Cindy Chazan

From West Orange, NJ

Posted On: February 13, 2015

We send our heartfelt condolences. May all of your wonderful memories of your time together give you strength at this painful time.

From: Mark Kershner

From Denver, CO

Posted On: February 13, 2015

My deepest condolences and sympathies for your loss. I will always have very fond memories of Bob.

From: David and Selma Kaye

From Delray Beach, Fl

Posted On: February 13, 2015

Sorry to hear the sad news. I got to know Bob very well
working with him at the toppers

From: Dan and Arlene Neidtz

From West Hartford, Ct

Posted On: February 13, 2015

Barbara and family-
We extend our deepest, deepest sympathy upon Bob's passing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Arlene and Dan Neiditz

From: Dick & Sonny Bernstein

From Boca Raton, FL

Posted On: February 13, 2015

Sharing great memories of good times spent together.Bob will be missed. Our sympathies to the entire Simon Family.

From: Brenda Simons Frank

From Hollywood, Fl

Posted On: February 13, 2015

From: Brenda Simons Frank

From Hollywood, Fl

Posted On: February 13, 2015

How lucky I was to call Bobby my cousin. From a struggling childhood to a most respected and successful leader of his community. He leaves a very loving family who without him could not be the people they are today.please except my sincere and sad condolences. Love cousin Brenda

From: JOANNE PERLOFF

From HARTFORD, CT

Posted On: February 15, 2015

BOB WAS GREAT IN MANY THINGS.
MEMORIES AND TEARS ARE IN MY THOUGHTS. MAY HIS FAMILY HAVE WONDERFUL THOUGHTS AND LAUGHTER ABOUT HIM.
LOVE,
THE PERLOFF FAMILY

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