By COLlive reporter
R’ Yitzchok Yaakov (Jerry) Simon, a long-time resident of the Crown Heights neighborhood who carried out charitable activities without much fanfare, passed away on Shabbos morning, 4 Adar I 5779.
In 1941, his parents sent him and his brother to learn in Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitch in New York. Their mother was ridiculed by her friends about sending her children to a Yeshiva. She nevertheless brought both sons to the Rebbe (then the Ramash) and said, “I leave you my entire belongings.”
The two boys learned in the Yeshiva which was housed in temporary storefront locations. They continued once the Yeshiva moved to its famous location at the corner of Bedford and Dean in Brooklyn, learning Gemara and Chassidus.
After his marriage on Gimmel Tammuz, the couple was one of the early young Chabad couples to settle in the Crown Heights neighborhood and remained there even when many others moved out because of rising crime.
Jerry ran a kosher catering business and catered the Kinus Hashluchim, dinners of the Machne Israel Development Fund and for guests joining the Rebbe for the month of Tishrei.
He would secretly deliver food packages to local families and individuals in need. A widow once speaking about her hardships was told by the Rebbe, “Jerry nemt care” (Jerry will take care) of the food. On another occasion, the Rebbe commented that Jerry has a “good heart.”
His charitable activities were done with a caring attitude and without expecting recognition or praise. He was also involved in supporting Keren Yisroel Aryeh Leib, a free-loan Gmach fund that assists families in Crown Heights.
He is survived by his wife Mrs. Sarah Malka Simon (nee Rosenblum), their children Mrs. Chana Etka Fefferman – Flatbush; Mrs. Tzirl Goldman – Crown Heights; Mrs. Aliza Scheinfeld – Crown Heights; Mrs. Nechama Dahan – Montreal, Canada; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his brother R’ Motel Simon of Crown Heights.
The levaya will take place on Sunday at Shomrei Hadas at 1:00 PM and pass by 770 Eastern Parkway at 1:45 PM.
The family will be sitting Shiva at 391 Crown Street.
The family kindly requests no visitors between 2-3 pm and past 10:00 PM.
Shachris: 7:15
Mincha: 5:15
Maariv: 6:00
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.
so sorry to hear about your loss. He was a very kind man. He once saw me carrying packages and gave me a ride home. May you only have simchas from now on. Chaya Lieblich
I met Jerry soon after l was engaged. He made a beautiful shava brucha for us. Whatever the situation, Jerry had a way with words that would lift you up and a chance meeting would become meaningful. May his family be blessed for his goodness. Esther Mentz
As a young girl coming to crown heights each year for chof beis shvat, the Simons always hosted me for a meal or two. R’ Simon was always kind and hospitable, and always made an impact on me. May his neshama have an aliyah.
A friend
Miss those Days working with Jerry whether it be in the Jewish Center, a Lavish Hotel or at His Maspeth Commissary… always put a smile on everyone’s face that he met and always kind hearted and good spirited…Boruch Dayan HaEmes!!
Two words “shain kןnd” that can keep a person going the nickname you gave me. You & your family have been my family with your doors & hearts open wide. I will carry that kindness forever!!!
Hashem has your soul at peace. May you have nachas in shamayim from your beautiful mishpacha.
Malkie, Chana Etka, Tzirl, Aliza, Nechama & all ~ I am so sorry for your loss.
Always
Rivky [Novitsky] Wilks
aka שיין קינד
Sending my love to a dear, special, BRAVE family, sheyichyu-who despite the nisyonos that Hashem has sent your way- for far too many years- you ARE always a joy to know, to love and to respect.
We are working so hard to bring the Geulah Shleimah. May it come NOW, IY”H.
To Malka, Tzirl, Aliza, Nechama and all members of the extended Simon Family, sheyichyu – it is a privilege to know you.
Love,
Penina Metal
May his soul have a lichtig Gan Eden. Jerry will be richly rewarded by the One Above for all the love and chesed that he showed toward other Yidden. He will be sorely missed!
Dear Simon family,
May Hashem comfort you.
Your husband, father was a kind person and an example of chessed which you all emulate and have, too.
May he daven from on-high for Moshiach now, and may you be reunited with him here very soon in good health.
Besuros tovos for your family.
We are with you.
~ A friend who grew up with you
BDE
What a special man he was
BDE
top of the shelf guy .. i remember him well when he would come to purchase meat and chicken for his catering business. true gentleman and proper mentsch. wishing the family only blessings of good.
Spent days teaching me the catering trade. With a good heart and love. Was always there for questions and directions.
Growing up who didn’t hear and know of Jerry Simon
Part and parcel of everything that was happening!
A Tzaddik of a person, and that’s putting it mildly !!!
He was such a nice man. An erliche yid. He davened in Empire Shteeble for many years keeping the shul all be when it was hard.
May he be a mailitz yosher.
He Catered our wedding in Crown Heights and we considered him a friend. He made so many jokes and always had us laughing. What a guy!!!
Mendy and Tzippy
Jerry was a special man, with a big heart
He will be missed
No words
so sorry to hear this , bde, may he be a mailitz yosiher for family and klal yisroel
montrealer
A tzaddik foon a mentsch.
He was a great man