Julien J. Simon

Julien J. Simon, 84, of Jamaica Estates, New York departed from this life on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at New York Presbyterian Hospital after battling a silent sickness. Born August 12, 1932 in Petit Goave, Haiti, he was the proud son to parents Massilien Simon and Gatine Michel Sepon.

Julien was educated both in Haiti and the United States. In Haiti he attended the ecole de Freres de Enstrucdio. Chertienne , and the Law School of Port-Au-Prince, Haiti where he received his law degree. Julien loved practicing law and determining what was fair and just from the facts presented. He was considered 'a man of the people' in Haiti and as an attorney was known to champion the cause of the disadvantaged and underprivileged. In Haiti, he was beloved by the people of Vialet through the countryside of Decaiac.

He was an avid reader, especially the Sunday Times, and one of the few people who could read the paper in its entirety in one day. All who met him knew he was intelligent, but would often conclude - he had a strategic mind.

When his wife Solange Simon, was offered an opportunity to study abroad in Canada, Julien soon joined her and migrated to New York with no prospects on the horizon. Just an immigrant with the notion that this new found freedom would bring with it opportunities. He spent the initial years busing and washing dishes (later on in life he would lament how he came to love washing dishes). He soon went to school at night and earned degrees from both New York University and Pace University where he received his Masters in Business Administration. He pursued a career on Wall Street and landed a position at Chemical Bank where he worked in their audit department.

In his heart Julien passion was the law and he continued to yearn for home. When an opportunity presented itself to return to his homeland Julien jumped at the chance. In 1980 he was offered a position as Chief Accountant of the Department of Health, in Haiti working with organizations like the UN. He gladly accepted and thus began his bi-coastal life where he lived both in Haiti and New York. Soon after Julien was appointed to the Supreme Court of Audit as one of only a handful of judges serving the court of Haiti. Soon thereafter he was named as its President and spent the remaining 10 years in that position until his death.

Julien loved sports especially Haitian football known as soccer. He and childhood friends Gerard Etienne, Cello Lamarre and Akim Altine as well as others formed an all Haitian soccer team called Le Piquet. Of course Julien served as President. Now boxing might have come second on his sport list, but that did not mean he was not fully versed on all Mohamed Ali's stats. Many a night he would call his children down to the living room so we can all enjoy the next Ali win. While in the states Julien had an affinity for American Westerns. He loved all movies where John Wayne, and Gary Cooper starred. He also enjoyed the classics with likes of Humphrey Bogart and James Cagney.

Julien will be most remembered for his sense of humor, his smile and laughter. He was the center of attention at any party. The last to leave but the first one to speak up and provide some witty tale about someone or something he experienced. He was a source of inspiration and wisdom for so many he came in contact with. He was fearless both in the courtroom and in life. A source of encouragement and strength. There was no problem that could not be overcome and at his worst still with a little laughter.

Julien is survived by his wife of 54 years, Solange Simon; children Nicole Leger, Patrick Simon, Maxwell Simon, Gerty Simon, Michelle Gonsalves; Son-in-law Willy, Daughter-in-Laws Colette and Glenny; Grandchildren Reginald, Ashley, Kyle, Jayden, Jared and Alexander; Brothers Dorcey Simon and Father Joseph Simon; nieces and nephews Tony, Hilderson, Simone, Marc, Ralph, Papouche, Mario, Gatine, Nancy, Cestel, Dany and others; Adoptive siblings Tony and Cerette Charles, Ida and Arnold Porsenna; Godchildren, Fitzgerald, Junior, and Cassandra and other living cousins, relatives, and many special friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Saviyen Simon, and Nelson Simon and niece /godchild Michelle Simon who incidentally died hours before him.

Julien may you light up the sky with your laughter. When we hear thunder on days to come we may have to pause, it may be the rumbling in the sky but it may also be a scene where you are seated with a circle of friends, drink in hand describing your next funny story...