Kent Simons

He died at his apartment in New York City, surrounded by family. The cause was cancer. Known for his curiosity and affability, he was a true gentleman, one who always made other people feel comfortable, and who treated everyone equally.

Kent was raised by two public high school teachers in Detroit, Michigan. He fulfilled a childhood goal by attending Princeton University, where he was captain of the swim team. His ties to Princeton remained significant throughout his life, traveling with Princeton Journeys, funding a needs-based scholarship for students from the Detroit area, and supporting the Center for Climate Action there. He worked in the financial industry where the late Roy Neuberger was his mentor in both finance and art appreciation. He continued working until the last weeks of his life.

He loved travel, reading, and movies. He was an amateur photographer and poker player; a wonderful cook, charming conversationalist, and dinner guest. He was grateful to have the ability to support causes he cared about primarily in education and the arts. While he was successful by any metric, he was most proud of his family. He loved all of his children Tracey (Donald), Kevin (Kalyanee), Kim (David), and Annie as well as Erika, wife of his beloved son David who pre-deceased him, equally and unconditionally. He had ten grandchildren: Olivia (Jacob), James, Luke, Catherine, Eleanor, Tess, Logan, Dash, Marcelo, and Veronica. All of his children and grandchildren benefitted tremendously from his support and generosity.

A memorial to gather Kent’s family and friends in celebration of his extraordinary life will be held Sunday, August 7.

Donations in his name can be made to the East Harlem Tutorial Project or the David P. Simons Fund for Energy and the Environment at the Andlinger Center at Princeton University, causes he supported during his lifetime.