Curtis John Simon

Curtis John Simon, 84, of Homosassa, Florida, passed away on Tues., Feb. 6, 2024 at Tampa General Hospital Crystal River in Crystal River, FL. A native of Sturgeon Bay, WI, he was born May 14, 1939 to Thomas Leonard and Helen Maria (Haaviste) Simon, one of six children. Mr. Simon served his country honorably and proudly in the United States Navy from 1958-1962 as an Aviation Electronics Technician, attaining the rank of Second Class Petty Officer. During his enlistment, AT2 Simon served aboard the USS Hornet (CV-12) as a member of the Helicopter Rescue Unit. Curt, as he was known to many, earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and Management from the University of San Francisco, which led to a long career as a remarkable and gifted electronics engineer. He was employed in his field of expertise first at FMC, Inc. in Santa Clara, CA, followed by employment at Hogan Manufacturing in Escalon, CA. Mr. Simon moved to Homosassa three years ago from Brandon, MS and was Head Elder and faithful and devoted member of Homosassa Seventh Day Adventist Church. Loving and serving the Lord and others was his greatest gift. Curt’s hobbies included golf, woodworking and gardening. In his younger years he loved camping. His perfect day would consist of waking up at a campground and cooking breakfast over an open fire, then spending the afternoon on the golf course. His evenings would involve sitting around a campfire singing songs while playing the guitar. In the words of his granddaughter Kristina; “The best man I’ve ever known left this earth on February 6th. He was the John Wayne of Grandpa’s. Making everything seem like so much fun from painting fences, to stacking wood and even trips to dump. I could spend hours in the back of the “talking truck” telling him meaningless things when I was younger and pouring out all my problems as I got older. He was a great listener and always had the best G-pa advice. Even if he was full of random facts, newspaper clippings and practical jokes. My most treasured memories were camping and singing around the campfire while he played the guitar or banjo. We even wrote a silly song together once. But as great of a G-pa as he was to me, he was an even better Mau Mau to Brilee and Kaiden. Kaiden always felt so special hanging out with Mau Mau in the garage using power tools, eating peanuts, and watching old Westerns. Brilee would try so hard to get the perfect score from Mau Mau with her cartwheels and teach him how to use a smart phone. They love him so much. We are so blessed for all the years of memories. This post could turn into a book easily filled with special moments. The best moments though were seeing him with my Grammy. He adored her and it showed. They had so much love and respect for each other. Their relationship is one to be admired. I pray Brilee & Kaiden will have a love like theirs one day. G-pa sure set the bar high. What a beautiful example we all got to be a part of.” In addition to his parents, Mr. Simon was preceded in death by his son, Patrick John Simon; brothers Cameron and Dale “Butch” Simon and sister Corrine Maine. He is survived by his loving wife Donna J. Simon of Homosassa; children Lynn Howell (Jim), Reno, NV; Scott Simon, San Jose, CA; Deborah Snow (Ron), Libby, MT and Denise Gasche, Bartlesville, OK; grandchildren David Escalona (Rachael), Ione, CA; Kristina Morris, Florence, MS; Janelle McNary (Kevin), San Jose, CA; Brad Pellerin, Libby, MT and Jeff Pellerin (Heather), Lodi, CA; brother Grant Simon and sister Patricia Manning (Warren), both of Wisconsin; ten great grandchildren, including Brilee and Kaiden, of Florence , MS, as well and many nieces and nephews. A memorial funeral service will be held on Sun., Feb. 25, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. at Homosassa Seventh Day Adventist Church, 5863 W. Cardinal St., Homosassa with Pastor William Earnhardt officiating. Macrini-Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa. www.macrini-wilderfuneral.com