SIMON, Lou of Rye Brook, N.Y. passed away on August 5, 2012. He was 94 years old. Lou was born on August 19, 1918, in Brooklyn, NY. He graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1937, then attended night classes at the University of Connecticut, Storrs, while working at Pratt & Whitney and taking flying lessons during the day. In World War II, Lou served as a pilot in the Air Transport Command, ferrying bombers to London and leading an engineering squadron in the 9th Air Force. Upon his return from the war, Lou married his beloved wife, Marjory (Marj), a woman who herself loved flying. Their union lasted 66 exciting years. Lou and Marj built a successful business together, constructing over 700 homes, condominiums and apartments in Westchester County. In addition to flying, Lou loved cars and dogs. His auto collection spanned Plymouths to Porsches, as well as miniature gas-powered vehicles that his kids and grandkids drove on the private roads near his home at Sky Meadow Farm in Purchase. He adopted canines of all shapes and sizes, from poodles to wheaten terriers. He is survived by his beloved wife and two children: JoAnn (Jan) Vinikoor (Mark) of Harrison and Joel Simon (Rosemae) of Scarsdale. He is also survived by five grandchildren – Jason Vinikoor (Carla); Jennifer Hirsch; Scott Simon (Michelle); Joshua Simon; and Lisa Jean (Sav) – and seven great-grandchildren – Jack and Emily Hirsch; Madeline Simon; Maya, Abby, and Brooke Vinikoor; and Kaylee Jean. Lou lived his life with a quiet intensity, interrupted only by the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. He is flying pretty high now, and loving every minute. The family is indebted to Mayolin Andall and Vinnis Grifiths for their love and care of Lou. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Community Synagogue of Rye, 200 Forest Avenue, Rye, NY 10580. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made out to the Neuberger Museum of Art, “Neu Experiences in Art”, a program for those with Alzheimer’s disease.
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