John Shahean Simon, Jr.

ERIE, Pa. — John Shahean Simon, Jr., 82, of Erie, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on November 03, 2025, surrounded by his family. John was born on December 26, 1942, in Louisville, KY to John S. Simon, Sr. and Mary Ellen Rowley Simon. He grew up in Olean, NY, and graduated from Olean High School. He was enlisted in the US Army from 1961-1964, serving as an MP, and awarded distinctions as a sharp-shooter and as a marksman. It was while in Germany that he met his wife, Berta (Betty), to whom he was married for 62 years.

John worked fulltime supporting his family while attending St. Bonaventure University, taking classes at night to earn his degrees in history and secondary education. He taught History and Social Studies at Cuba Central High School from 1972-1994 where he was an advocate for both students and his fellow teachers, serving as the advisor for the Yorker Club and as President of Cuba’s teacher association. He was also a coach for the girls’ soccer team. He later earned a certificate in educational administration and worked as both a principal and a superintendent in Crown Point, New York. Although he retired from the New York State education system, he continued to work in education, moving to Erie, PA, working for the Boy Scouts of America’s “Learning for Life Program”, and later as the head of education for the State Correctional Institute for Women at Cambridge Springs. John was also instrumental in “Erie’s Promise”, especially in the “Police Explorer Program”. He served as a board member for the “Joel 2 Ministries”.

John will be remembered as the dad who took the family on many camping trips, always making them a history lesson. He was the ultimate do-it-yourselfer, renovating the family’s home in Olean a little at a time. He even built a sailboat in the basement, a project that spanned nearly two decades, which he enjoyed sailing on Red House Lake in Allegany State Park. John enjoyed fishing, hunting, and especially enjoyed singing. While in high school, he and his friends formed “Johnny and the Frantics”, purportedly making the “crowds go crazy”. After retiring, he spent time entertaining residents of local nursing homes and assisted living facilities with his velvety Elvis-like voice.

John’s greatest joy came from his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and cousin who took great pleasure in spending time with family and giving advice to anyone who asked. He often became a father-figure to cousins and friends who lost their father early. He was everyone’s loudest cheerleader.

Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Berta “Betty” F. (Datz) Simon; his children, Dr. Patricia “Patty” A. Simon, husband Kyle Collins, Jeanette M. Burleson, husband William, and Peter J. Simon, wife Rosa; four grandchildren, Calvin and Simon Burleson and Shahean and Alexis Simon; siblings, Robert Simon, wife Pamela, Cynthia Harvey, husband Jeffrey, and Margie Ann McCue, husband Timothy; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to a funeral mass at St. Bonaventure University Chapel (Doyle Hall), St. Bonaventure, NY on December 13, 2025 at 11 AM. Burial will follow at St. Bonaventure Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Blood Cancer United (formerly Leukemia and Lymphoma Society ) or the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.