Robert Simons

Dr. Robert L. Simons, a pioneering facial plastic surgeon, devoted family man, and beloved longtime resident of Key Biscayne, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2026, at the age of 90, surrounded by his family.

Born on September 30, 1935, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dr. Simons lived a life defined by curiosity, innovation, compassion, and a deep appreciation for family and community. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over five decades, Victoria ("Vicki") Simons, who passed away in December 2025.

Family and close friends were the fabric of Bob’s life. He is survived by his son, Matthew Simons; his daughter, Ilana Simons; his cherished grandchildren, Eliza, Micah, and Rani Simons; his sister Susie Chun; and Vicki’s sister, Margie Hadar. He was a mentor to her sons Eric and Josh and their children, all of whom were great joys of his life.

Dr. Simons was internationally recognized as one of the pioneers of modern facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. A gifted surgeon who specialized in rhinoplasty, he dedicated his career not only to advancing his specialty but also to educating future generations of physicians. He was a founder and President of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), helping to establish the organization as the premier professional society for the specialty. His focus on meticulous and innovative techniques and natural outcomes led him to be a greatly respected teacher and highly desired lecturer throughout the world.

After earning his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1961, he completed his surgical training in Philadelphia and New York before moving to South Florida, where he founded the Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He served as its director for more than 25 years and remained a voluntary clinical professor throughout his career.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Simons possessed an encyclopedic love of sports. As a young man, his remarkable knowledge of sports trivia earned him recognition as a prodigy on the popular radio program The Whiz Kids, where callers attempted to stump him with obscure sports questions—usually without success. His passion for sports remained with him throughout his life, and he delighted in following teams, athletes, and major sporting events with the same enthusiasm he had as a boy.

In 1973, Bob and Vicki left New York City for Key Biscayne, where they found the community that would become their home for more than five decades. They were among the original residents of Mar Azul, where they raised their children, celebrated family milestones, and formed lifelong friendships. Bob remarked that moving to Key Biscayne felt like "trading black-and-white film for Technicolor." He treasured the island's small-town spirit, its Fourth of July parades, its beautiful beaches, and the sense of community that made it unlike anywhere else. Bob made the most of his life and friends in Key Biscayne and could be found enjoying games of tennis and dominoes throughout the island, as well as on his sojourns off the island to take in horse races at Calder and Hialeah, as well as Hurricanes and Dolphins football games at the Orange Bowl. He was also an avid enthusiast of the South Florida arts and cultural community.

Whether in the operating room, the classroom, or on the shores of Key Biscayne, Dr. Simons approached life with unbridled enthusiasm, intellectual curiosity, and a vivacious spirit. His legacy lives on in the countless surgeons he trained, the patients whose lives he improved, the rich friendships he cultivated, and the family who loved him deeply.

His family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the many friends, neighbors, colleagues, and caregivers who enriched his life over the years. Dr. Simons will be remembered not only for his extraordinary professional achievements but also for his kindness, wisdom, wit, and unwavering devotion to those he loved.

In lieu of gifts, Bob would be honored by placing a trifecta box bet at Calder or Hialeah race tracks.