Steven Alan Simon

Steven Alan Simon, age 81, passed away peacefully in Farmville, Virginia, on November 30, 2025. Born on February 6, 1944, to the late Lincoln and Rosalind Simon, Steve arrived in this world ready with a story—and he spent the next eight decades proving it.

Growing up in a military family meant Steve lived in more places than most people can list on a map. He traveled the world before he was old enough to vote, and while many would consider that exciting his stories reflected school changes, funny antics and plenty of unexpected adventures. Those early years shaped his humor, resilience, and his ability to adapt to just about anything.

In 1970, Steve graduated from William Penn with a degree in education, and in 1974 he earned his master’s degree from the University of Virginia. Despite the unpredictability of his early school years, he turned education into his career. He spent 32 years teaching, was a devoted parent and grandparent, and active in youth sports, dedicating much of his life to children.

Outside of school, he poured much of his time into his own children. He supported them in their interests, encouraged their independence, and stayed actively involved in their activities, especially when it came to sports. Coaching became a natural extension of fatherhood and being a grandparent. He was a grandfather who listened more than he lectured, loved more than he scolded, and laughed more than he sighed. His grandchildren’s affectionate nickname for him, “Steve,” was a humorous nod to his well-known reluctance to embrace anything that alluded to aging

Sports were one of his greatest passions. Whether cheering on the Redskins, the Orioles, or catching whatever game happened to be on, he watched with the enthusiasm of someone who believed every play mattered. His sideline-style commentary was a familiar soundtrack to anyone who watched a game with him.

He had a sharp sense of humor, a straightforward honesty, and a kindness that made people feel comfortable in his presence.

Steve is survived by his son Mark (Lisa); daughters Rebecca Riefenstahl (Gregg ) and Leigh Ann Dennis (Chris); grandsons Jake and Josh Simon and Luke Riefenstahl; granddaughters Lauren and Leah Riefenstahl and Lilly Dennis; his brother Stuart Simon (Sherona); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lincoln and Rosalind Simon; his sister, Louise Carlson (Bob); and his former wife, Connie W. Simon.

A celebration of Steve's life will be held on January 31st in Farmville, VA at the Fishin' Pig's catering and private event building.