Charles T. Simonson

Charles Thomas Simonson, a character unique among the world, left us for his next adventure in the early hours of Tuesday, April 24th. Born the eldest of two sons to Ruth (Crawford) Simonson and Charles Henry Simonson he was predeceased by his parents, brother Donald (Sandy) and beloved daughter Amy (Kevin) Paul. He leaves behind the love his life for over 65 years, Norma (Zimmerman) Simonson, four children - Beth (Bruce) Avolio, Sandra (Allen) Moorman, Laurie (Thomas) Bierce and Charles (Erin) Simonson. His extended brood include grandchildren, Eric Simonson (Cheryl), Casey, Jacob and Sydney Avolio, Brady Paul, Hunter, Cole and Lydia Bierce and Travis and Emily Simonson. Great grandchildren Macalah, Kara, Logan and River Simonson

Born January 22, 1929 in Romeo, Michigan Chuck lived almost the entirety of his life in the Akron area though his inquisitive nature led him to travel as frequently as possible. He met Norma, a registered nurse, in the hospital while being treated for polio and they married in 1952. The next ten years were a whirl of kids (5 in 10 years) and college. He received his Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Kent State University in 1960 while working two jobs to support his family. After teaching 6th grade for a brief time he was employed by the Juvenile Court Center of Akron, eventually rising to become Director of the court center - a position he held until his retirement. Never a slacker in terms of his work ethic, he also worked as a psychologist doing psychological testing in private practice and taught courses in criminal justice at both Kent State University and Akron University. He was particularly proud of the work he did for the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board (ADM Board) of Summit County where he helped to formulate and implement mental health services with far reaching impact, serving on the Board from 1974 to 1997 and as Chair of the standing committee on mental health from 1986-97. After retirement he continued his commitment to community as President of the BOD of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron.

The above list of his accomplishments reflects only a small part of the man who will be remembered by his wife, children, sons and daughter-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren. His sly sense of humor and love of nature has been passed on to all of us. His compelling need for travel and adventure lives on. We still shake our heads that he took his brood of five all over the United States, Canada and even a few times beyond those borders. Our family sailing trips were legendary. In the last years when his body could not leave, his mind continued to travel. He always said that he was happy in his daydreams and with his memories and looked to the future with optimism for what he hoped would bring him new adventures. We hope he's having them now.

A celebration of his life will be held Thursday, May 17, 11:00 am at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron, 3300 Morewood Rd. Akron, OH.