Simon Tucker

Simon Tucker passed away on July 9th at the age of 89, surrounded by many in his family. He was in good spirits and joking until he took a nap and passed away peacefully in his sleep. Simon was born in 1921 in the Lower East Side of New York City. Academically, he skipped three grades and graduated from high school at the age of 14. Despite his young age, he received the medal for the highest math honors in the high school. He attended City College of New York where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Cum Laude at the age of 18. After college, Simon began his military service, eventually becoming a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy. He served as a Naval Intelligence Officer, and graduated as the Valedictorian of 100 naval officers attending a Naval Foreign Language School at the University of Colorado to learn to speak and write Japanese. He gave his valedictorian speech in Japanese. Ultimately he served as a translator in Japan for the captain of the English ship, one of the nine ships that landed during the occupation.

After his military service, Simon married his high school sweetheart Shirley Feuerman and had 4 children. They moved to Washington D.C., and Simon continued his academic pursuits receiving a law degree from George Washington University School of Law (taking night courses), a masters in Economics from American University and completing his graduate studies at American University in Public Policy and Administration. Simon became a lawyer for the State Department and worked there for 30 years. Simon is survived by his four children – Eben, Marsha, Ave and David, his daughters and son in law -- Ellen Heineman, Dianne Bostick, and Bill Rucker; and his grandchildren--Elijah, Rachel, Kelly, Ezra and Adam.

A funeral service will be held at the Arlington Cemetery on October 27, 2010 where, Simon will be interred with full military honors. The service will begin at Fort Meyers Chapel at 9AM. Please arrive at 8:30AM to leave extra time to go through security (including a check of your government issued identification for everyone over the age of 18). The family will receive friends following the interment at Fort Meyer Officers Club from 10:30AM until 1:30PM. Directions and a map are included below.

Arrangements entrusted to Joseph Gawler's Sons, Inc., Washington, DC.