SIMON, Saul of Framingham January 16, 2021. Born March 4, 1935.
Beloved son of Leo and Minnie (Sandler) Simon. Beloved husband and dance partner of Zelda Simon, the absolute love of his life. Loving father of Marjorie Simon of Framingham, Roberta and the late Eric Rubin of Boston, Sam Simon and Fletcher McKean of New York City. Grandpa to Brandon and Kyle Tobasky, and Lucy and Evan Rubin. Saul lived a courageous and beautiful life, despite all of the challenges he faced. He inspired so many of us with his strength, humor and love. And no one did he love more than his Zelda. Their love story is one for the ages.
They met in the 1950’s, in Boston. On their first blind date, Saul ran up the stairs of Zelda’s home in Roxbury. She was waiting for him in her little black dress, newly cut bangs and a sparkling smile in her best red lipstick. Saul found her ravishing! Their courtship included dancing at the Totem Pole in Newton and late night dinners at Jack & Marion’s in Brookline. She would sing to him in the car and they loved holding hands until their last night together. They fell in love, dancing and driving through 58 years.
Saul’s career in fashion began as part owner of Simon’s/Simon and Sons clothing stores. In the 1970’s he spread his wings and opened up several womens stores around the Boston area. Always artistic he loved to paint and draw. He designed uniforms for flight attendants, womens-wear and created costumes for the 1964 World Fair in NY.
Mid-life, Saul tragically lost his hearing and vision to Usher’s Syndrome, a cause he was active in raising awareness for. This profound sensory loss shifted his focus to the Stock Market, a lifelong passion. As recently as this year he invested in Tesla, Apple and Moderna. Saul loved having his finger on the pulse just as much as he loved a good old fashioned bet: be it at the track or on a big game. Saul felt equally at home at the Ritz Carlton in Back Bay as he did at Kelly’s on Revere Beach.
At 58 he became the first Deaf Blind person ever to receive a cochlear implant, a device to regain his hearing in one ear. The very first time he turned it on he could “hear” again! Saul ran excitedly around the house listening to everything. The best sound was Zelda’s voice saying “I love you” for the first time in approximately 30 years.
Saul was charming, optimistic and dashing. He loved to tell a good story and captivated people with his legendary anecdotes. He loved Elvis and Sinatra, and was always the best dancer at every party!
Private Services and burial by Schlossberg Memorial Chapel. A Celebration of Saul’s amazing life will be planned for when we can once again dance cheek to cheek and share an order of onion rings.
In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations in Saul’s name to The Usher Syndrome Society
https://www.ushersyndromesociety.org/events/donate.html
or
2Life Communities https://www.2lifecommunities.org/donate
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