Donald Allan Simon

Donald Allen Simon, 91, of Napa, CA, passed away on October 10, 2023 after a short illness with pneumonia. He was surrounded by his wife Pati and his two children, Anne and Roger.

Don was born on December 26, 1931, in Buffalo, NY, and was later adopted by his parents Lester and Lucile Simon of Larchmont, NY. Don graduated from Mamaroneck H.S where he was a champion swimmer and clarinetist. He received a B.A. from Amherst College in 1953 and was a member of the DKE fraternity, and Captain of his college swim team.

After his service in the Navy, Don worked on Wall Street and in the securities industry, and later founded an air ambulance insurance company. In 1997, he married Pati Carlson Burke, and the couple moved to Napa on top of Atlas Peak, put in vines and raised llamas and guinea fowl. In addition to creating business opportunities, Don spent his time volunteering for the St. Helena Presbyterian Church, the Napa Opera House, the Napa Food Project, and the Sons of Norway.

Don is survived by his wife Pati Simon of Napa, his daughter Anne Simon of Virginia, and his son Roger Simon of Arkansas. He was predeceased in death by his parents, sisters Betsy Schwarz and Carol Korn, and his first wife Nancy Simon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Napa Opera House or the Sons of Norway (Santa Rosa Chapter).

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, November 4, 2:00PM at First Presbyterian Church of St. Helena, 1428 Spring St. St. Helena, CA.

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