July 6, 1930 – May 14, 2026
SERVICE DETAILS
Star of David Chapel Date: May 21, 2026 Time: 12:00 PM
CEMETERY DETAILS
Mount Golda Cemetery: 500 Old Country Rd, Huntington Station, NY 11746
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OBITUARY
Louis Simon passed away on the afternoon of May 14th, surrounded by the love of family who were with him to the end. A gifted educator, mentor, camp director, and writer, Lou lived a life centered on creativity, learning, and community.
Lou was born on July 6, 1930, to Arno and Frieda Simon at the beginning of the Great Depression. He was the oldest of three children, followed by his sister Cecile, seven years younger, and his brother Stanley, fourteen years younger. Both remained an important part of his life throughout the years.
He graduated from James Monroe High School in the Bronx in 1948 and went on to attend the City College of New York, earning his undergraduate degree in 1951 and a master’s degree in education in 1952. He later pursued postgraduate studies at Columbia University and The New School. From the beginning, Lou possessed a deep belief in the power of education—not simply to inform, but to inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence.
Lou began his teaching career in 1956 at DeWitt Clinton High School, where he taught English and journalism and served as advisor to the school newspaper. His intellect, calm leadership, and devotion to students quickly distinguished him. In 1965, he became Chairman of the English Department at George Washington High School. During one of the school’s most turbulent periods, Lou stepped forward to serve as acting principal and ultimately principal, guiding the school with steadiness and integrity during times of profound uncertainty and upheaval.
Later, Lou served as Assistant Principal and Chairman of the English Department at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, where he continued to nurture young artists, writers, and thinkers until his retirement from the New York City public school system in 1985.
Beyond the classroom, Lou found another calling that would shape countless lives. Together with his beloved wife, Sybil, he co-owned and directed Buck’s Rock Camp, a Montessori-inspired summer camp devoted to the arts, creativity, and self-expression. Lou’s relationship with Buck’s Rock began in 1959 as head of its journalism and publications department. In 1974, Lou and Sybil became co-directors taking over from its founders, Ernst and Ilse Bulova. Together, they created a remarkable community where young people were encouraged to discover themselves through music, theater, writing, visual arts, and deep human connection.
To many campers and staff, Buck’s Rock was not simply a summer camp—it was a sanctuary, a second home, and in many cases a life-changing experience. Lou’s quiet wisdom, sharp wit, intellectual rigor, and unwavering belief in the power of creativity and independent thought left a lasting imprint on generations who passed through its gates. While Lou sold Buck’s Rock in 1996, even to this day, former campers and colleagues continue to speak of Lou and Sybil with profound gratitude, admiration, and affection.
Lou was deeply respected within both the camping and educational worlds. He served as president of the Connecticut Camp Directors Association, vice president of the Association of Independent Camps, and was a contributing editor to Scholastic Magazine. After selling Buck’s Rock, Lou continued teaching as an adjunct professor of English and journalism at Western Connecticut State University.
Lou married Sybil Kordower in 1957, and together they built a life grounded in love, intellect, creativity, and shared purpose. Sybil passed away in 1988, a loss Lou carried deeply throughout his life. He later married Alice Forrester, and though their marriage ended, they remained lifelong friends.
Lou is survived by his children: David and his wife Andi; Daniel and his wife Sukanlaya; and Kira and her husband Patrick. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Jordan, Noah, Gabriel, and Riley. He was predeceased by his beloved grandson Jesse, whose memory remained forever close to his heart. He was also a big brother and leaves behind his younger sister Cecile and younger brother Stanley.
Lou loved deeply and was deeply loved in return—by his children and grandchildren, his siblings, nieces and nephews, colleagues, students, campers, and dear friends. His influence lives on not only in the institutions he served, but in the lives he shaped through encouragement, intellect, and humanity.
Those who knew Lou will remember his wisdom, dry humor, commanding presence, fierce intellect, devotion to the arts and education, and the extraordinary passion he brought to the work and people he believed in so deeply.
His memory will remain a blessing to all who loved him.
Knowing Lou as a camper and CIT, 1962-1964, and then resuming a lasting friendship with him and Sybil in the 1980’s was a true blessing. He lives in my life as a friend, mentor and true example of humanity, and goodness. I have been nourished my entire life by my Buck’s Rock experience and by what was instilled in so many of us by the Camp’s directors and staff. Their legacy in so many lives is priceless.
My first year as a camper in 1959, Lou and Sybil were my Counselors in the Farmhouse. So many years ago! I never knew that was their first year or that they were so recently married! My condolences to the family.
I was a camper and CIT in the early 70″s.While I didn’t know Lou well I recall him as kind. Lou, along with the other staff, and campers made Buck’s Rock a truly special place.
I was a camper and a CIT at Buck’s Rock in the late 1960’s. I remember Lou well, as I spent a lot of time in the print shop. He was always very kind to me, and he taught me so many things. Buck’s Rock was a magical gift in my life.
What an absolute blessing Lou was in our lives, and especially to my late mom Sue Wartur, both personally and professionally. He was one of her favorite people on earth as her English Department Chairman, mentor and cherished friend! Both Lou and Sybil were blessings in the lives of all the Warturs…so much history, so much joy, so many sweet memories!! The universe first brought our families together in the early 1970’s when my mom worked with Lou at the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art as an English teacher for many years, and also during several summers at Buck’s Rock where she worked as a counselor. I was a camper there at the same time, and have my entire first summer there forever immortalized in a diary (which I still have)! My dad visited the camp on weekends, so Buck’s Rock was always a loving family affair! Both Lou and Sybil helped me through some moments of teenage anguish at camp, and I have always been forever grateful. My mom and Lou remained in contact until my mom’s passing last August. If she and my dad were still with us, they would be joining me in sending you our deepest condolences, love, light and strength. May Lou’s precious memory be forever a blessing.
Louis Simon was my teacher at DeWitt Clinton in 1962. I express my condolences to the Simon family and with a sad heart I mourn the loss of a fantastic educator. He was devoted to his students and a friend. I remember an incident in which I copied my friend’s paper. He chastised me and then he forgave me. In my mind, he was a mensch.
My English Teacher in the 1962 Scholarship Class at DWC. Met him again at the Jussi Bjorling Memorial Concert years later.
I was very lucky to have Mr. Simon as my journalism teacher at DWC. I found his teaching style innovative and although I occasionally wrote articles, I pursued another direction in life.
Peter Schott, DWC ’62
I was lucky to have Mr. Simon as my journalism teacher at DWC. I found his style innovative and I loved his classes. Although I did occasionally write articles, I pursued a different profession.
Peter Schott “62
As a DWCHS student and Clinton News staffer, Lou Simon was an inspiration and incredible teacher. Later, as a DWCHS faculty member, I worked with his successor, Ada Chirles. Greatly enjoyed my 30 years at Clinton and followed in footsteps of outstanding instructors like Lou. RIP!
Lou Simon was one of the best and most profoundly influential teachers of my life. He was the long-serving faculty advisor of The Clinton News, when I was editor-in-chief in 1964. His advice on how to write has stood me in good stead as a professional writer, to this day. The event of the year, every year, was when he took the managing board members of the paper to the Columbia Scholastic Press Association awards and then out for celebratory sundaes afterward. We always won the top prize, Medalist. I can’t believe he was only 34 at that time. To my 16-year old eyes, he was an older wise man! What a rich legacy he leaves behind.
The last time I saw Lou was over 60 years ago. Yet I still remember vividly how great an educator and mentor he was to me and everyone he knew.
I was Editor in Chief of the Clinton News in 1965. It was an honor to have him as a Faculty Advisor as well as a unique and special teacher.
His skills were outstanding but his interaction and compassion for all his students was unsurpassed.
My sincerest condolences to the family.
Lous Simon was a gifted teacher and mentor for me at DeWitt Clinton HS in the the mid1960s.
He trained me as a writer and inspired me to become a high school English teacher.
Most of all, Mr Simon was a true mensch who cared deeply or his students. His generosity of spirit was a gift. May his memory be a blessing.
Mr. Simon was an early mentor and recognized qualities in me that I didn’t know I had. At the time, I was very interested in journalism as a profession. He taught me how to channel my thoughts and personality into writing.
I soon discovered I had skills in other areas, but utilized what he taught me in them. I left for Boston in 1963, and regretted not dropping by to say hello in the passing years, but I often thought of him.
My sincerest condolences on his loss.
Lou Simon or “Uncle Lou” as was affectionally called by the “Clinton Newsers” was the greatest, most caring, teacher and faculty advisor to students publishing the school newspaper. I graduated DWC in 1959 and served the editor chief of the paper. We remain friends through all these years the lessons he taught, the values he shared , have lasted lifetime. It was my privilege to know him and have him as my teacher thank you Lou. You fought the good fight now may you rest in peace. Love prayers and condolences to his family.
Hi, Very sorry on Lou’s passing – I have a picture from my graduation year book , 1958. Years. If you would like a copy, let me know. Stephen Sloane , ssloane40@gmail.com
I have fond memories of Lou and Sybil from my years as a camper and a CIT at Bucks Rock in 1970s May his memory be for a blessing