Frank O. Simon Jr.

Frank O. Simon, Jr., a 16-year resident of Torrance and 40-year resident of Redondo Beach, passed away Saturday April 2, 2016 in Torrance. Frank is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mardell, daughter Shan, and grandchildren Andrea and Chris Cavoretto.

Frank was born in Oxford Nebraska to Elisabeth and Frank O Simon in 1930. Frank and his family moved to Pennsylvania where he attended high school and played football.

The family returned to Nebraska where Frank attended the University of Nebraska. He was a walk-on to the football team and played in the 1949 season. He was granted an athletic scholarship the following year. He was a star running back on the 1951 championship team. He played in the 1952 East-West game that same year. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles but elected to not play professional football due to sports injuries.

He enlisted the Army in 1952 and was trained in temporary construction and demolition. Once in Korea, he was a secretary to a Staff Sargent whose main duty was to obtain supplies from the local population.

Upon his return and discharge, he married his college sweetheart Mardell and settled down to teaching in Nebraska in 1954.

1956 brought the birth of their only child, their daughter Shan.

Frank and his wife moved to California to improve their economic and job opportunities with the Torrance Unified School District. Frank taught Biology and Life Science classes for over 30 years with the district. He was also known for his coaching abilities, having coached the "B" football team for almost 15 years with a C.I.F. championship team in the mid '60s.

Frank's brother and sister-in-law introduced Frank and the family to camping. Frank enjoyed being out with nature and the elements. Later, they expanded their adventures to include fishing and water skiing. Frank enjoyed doing both a great deal.

In his later years, Frank and his wife traveled the globe, cruising through the Panama Canal, venturing through China, touring through Europe by bus, sailing the Mediterranean, and walking the streets of London.

Frank also loved to golf. He and friends got together playing twice a week.

Frank had a passion for college football, watching all he could every Saturday. Prior to his daughter attending USC, the family attended the Trojan home games regularly, becoming season ticket holders for many years.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no services or memorial. We would be honored if In lieu of flowers and cards, a donation to the University of Nebraska or your favorite veterans charity was made.