Aziz Yousef Simon

Acts 20:35

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved father, Aziz Simon who passed onto heaven

peacefully on January 11, 2025 at the age of 87. Aziz was born in Ablah, Lebanon to Yousef and Melia Semaan and had five loving brothers (Ferris, Najib, Antoun, Amin, Hanna) and sisters (Georgette Bsaibes, Antoinnette Semaan) who all preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife Nouha whom he was married to for 58 years and by his sons: George Simon and Charlie Simon; Daughter Natalie Simon Hall; daughters-in-law Claude (Jawich) Simon and Maggy (Gorman) Simon; son-in-law Francis Hall, and his seven grandchildren, Theresa, Michael, Anthony, John-Paul, Leah, Charlotte and Thomas.

Born in Ablah, Lebanon as one of eight siblings, Aziz excelled academically and dreamed of pursuing higher education. However, life’s challenges led him down a different path. He joined the military at a young age, where his hard work and determination quickly earned him respect among his peers and superiors.

In 1969, Aziz’s life took a pivotal turn when one of his brothers suffered from kidney failure. Aziz left his family and work and brought his brother to the United States, where dialysis was the only option. Demonstrating his resourcefulness and compassion, Aziz transported one of the first dialysis machines back to Lebanon, giving his brother two additional precious years of life. Upon his brother’s passing, the machine was donated to a hospital, where it continued to save lives. Sadly, another brother was also lost to kidney disease—a tragedy that deepened Aziz’s commitment to helping others.

Aziz’s own battle with kidney disease became a testament to his enduring faith and perseverance. After moving to the United States, he was offered an experimental kidney transplant. Out of 11 patients awaiting kidneys, he received one from a 30-year-old man who had tragically died in a motorcycle accident. When his body initially began to reject the organ, doctors recommended its removal. Aziz, however, refused, declaring, “I will either live or die with this kidney. Whatever God wills.” Miraculously, his faith and determination prevailed, and his body accepted the transplant after a month. As God willed, the transplanted kidney gave Aziz 49 additional years of his life, which was the longest kidney recipient in the United States.

With his health restored, Aziz began working tirelessly at county fairs across the country, eventually managing over 20 fairs during his 25-year career. His hard work and entrepreneurial spirit were matched only by his generosity and dedication to his family.

Ablah was his beloved village and all of his conversations and dreams were of Ablah and his family and friends. He remembered his hometown fondly and daily and never forgot his roots. He carried their joys/sufferings in his heart and was always trying to find ways to help them. One of his most famous phrases to his children was “ It is a crime to turn your back on someone in need! God has placed them before you”

Later in life, Aziz and the family moved to San Diego. The greatest joy in his life were his grandchildren. They gave him a renewed vigor for life. While raising his grandchildren and enjoying the love and warmth of his family. He became a cornerstone of his community, known for his wisdom, generosity, and unwavering faith.

Aziz’s story is one of triumph over adversity, selflessness, and enduring love for family. His legacy will live on through the lives of his children and grandchildren and the family he cherished so deeply.

A service to celebrate Aziz’s life will be held at on Jan 22 at 11:30 at St. Sharbel’s Maronite Catholic Church, where his family will honor his extraordinary journey and the indelible mark he left on them and the world.

In Lieu of flowers, please donate to www.maronitemonastery.com

Rest in peace, Aziz Simon. You will be deeply missed and forever remain in our hearts.