David Richard Simon MD, PhD

November 17, 1942 – July 6, 2026

Dr. David Richard Simon, MD, PhD, passed away surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, intellect, service, and devotion. He was a beloved father, grandfather, physician, mentor, and friend whose impact will be felt by generations of patients, colleagues, and loved ones.

David was born on November 17, 1942, at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. He spent his early childhood in Chicago before moving with his family to South Florida at the age of eight. From an early age, he knew he wanted to become a physician—a dream that guided his life’s work. He attended Biscayne Elementary School, North Shore Junior High School, and Miami Beach Senior High School.

A lifelong scholar with a passion for learning, David began his higher education at the University of Florida, where he earned his Associate of Arts degree. He then spent a year studying at the University of Paris, an experience that broadened his horizons and deepened his love of language and culture. During this time, he endured the heartbreaking loss of his father, an event that strengthened his determination and perseverance.

David excelled both academically and athletically. He was an accomplished fencer, competing for both the University of Florida and the University of Paris. He was also an avid and highly skilled sailor who represented the United States in competitive junior sailing throughout his youth.

Upon returning from Paris, David met Andrea, the woman who would become the mother of his children. Together they built a family that remained at the center of his life.

David attended the University of Miami, where he earned both his Doctor of Medicine degree and a PhD in 1971. His doctoral research focused on mineral formation in embryos and cartilage, reflecting the intellectual curiosity that would characterize his entire career.

Following medical school, David completed his ophthalmology residency at the renowned Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. As part of the Berry Plan, he proudly served in the United States Navy in Bethesda, Maryland, from 1975 to 1977.

Throughout his career, he remained deeply committed to education and research, teaching embryology, histology, and anatomy at the prestigious Lancaster Course at Colby College in Maine, where he returned each summer to share his knowledge with aspiring ophthalmologists.

In 1977, David opened his ophthalmology practice in Plantation, Florida, where he cared for patients with extraordinary skill, kindness, and integrity for nearly five decades. He retired in 2025 after a remarkable career devoted to restoring sight and improving lives.

To his patients, he was more than a physician; he was a trusted confidant and compassionate healer. To his colleagues, he was a respected leader, serving as Chairman of the Board of Westside Regional Medical Center for more than twenty years.

Beyond medicine, David embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He loved traveling the world, capturing its beauty through photography, and spending treasured time with family and friends. His greatest joy, however, came from those he loved most.

David is survived by Andrea, the mother of his beloved children; his son, Geoffrey; his daughter Elizabeth and son-in-law Bryan; his daughter Michelle and son-in-law Paul; his daughter Stephanie; and his daughter Samantha and son-in-law Alfred. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Gianna, Isabella, Gabriella, Tyler, and Caden, each of whom brought immeasurable joy to his life.

David will be remembered not only for his extraordinary accomplishments, but also for his generosity, warmth, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to those around him. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the family he cherished, and the example he set through a life of service, humility, and love.

He was surrounded by his loving family during his passing.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.