James Frank Simon Sr.

Mr. Simon practiced law in Stamford for almost 60 years, specializing in real estate, family and estate law, and commercial transactions. He was active in civic affairs, serving as Chair of the Stamford Zoning Board of Appeals, president of the North Stamford Exchange Club, first president of the Northeast School PTA, and member of multiple Republican committees. He also was the lawyer for Temple Sinai, to which his family belonged.



Born in New York City, he was the son of Jack H. Simon and the former Marion Frank. He grew up in New York and Greenwich, Connecticut, graduating from Greenwich High School. He earned a B.S. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania and the Wharton School. While working in his father’s textile company and raising a family, he attended NYU School of Law, from which he graduated cum laude as the fifth student in his class, earning many honors, including admittance to the Order of the Coif, service on the NYU Law Review, and multiple scholarships. He clerked for a Connecticut Supreme Court Justice.

Mr. Simon was also a talented pianist. In college, he led and performed in his own band. He also played the glockenspiel in his college marching band and co-hosted a performance show broadcast on the campus radio station.

Mr. Simon was optimistic, outgoing, ready to make friends and to help others. He loved to tell a joke and was easy to laugh with.

He was married to his great love, the former Ann Vardaro, for 62 years until her passing in 2015. He is survived by three children (James Simon, Jr., Diane Indivero, and Stephen Simon), two daughters-in-law (Cecilia Capuzzi Simon and Heather Simon) and a son-in-law (Michael Indivero), and seven grandchildren to whom he was devoted (Nathaniel, Madeleine, Adam, and Lily Simon, and Gabriela, Julia, and Lucas Indivero).

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to St. Jude’s Hospital for Children or Feeding America.