Jerald J. Saimon, the center of a loving family and circle of friends, died on May 27, 2007 at the age of 80. Dr. Saimon’s professional career began in 1952 in Mundelein, IL, first as a teacher, leaving as superintendent. A superintendancy in Winthrop Harbor, IL and West Chicago followed. This position was particularly unique as he served two Districts elementary and high school districts the only such situation in all of Illinois at that time. He retired from West Chicago and embarked upon a new career as Director of Teacher Education & Professor at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, IL. Although he had retired from public education, he was still called upon to take the leadership role in Districts which were in distress. In addition, Jerry served as an elected trustee for the College of DuPage, IL from 1981-1987 and once again to serve as interirn superintendent for Oswego School District. When retirement was finally firmly established, Jerry divided his time between his winter home in Florida and his home in St. Charles. Here, he did volunteer work at the John D. MacArthur State Park and enjoyed all that Florida has to offer. It was a happy time for him as new friendships were being formed, treasured and enjoyed. Jerry was an acknowledged school administrator who strongly believed in public education and worked tirelessly to establish attainable goals. As a youngster, he lived in Chicago’s Back of the Yards, went to Seward Elementary and Gage Park High School, where he excelled as an all-city basketball star. Following a stint in the Navy’s Pacific Operation during World War II, he continued his education at Northern Illinois University and earned his undergraduate degree, on to his Master’s Degree from Northwestern University and followed by a Doctorate degree from Loyola University in Chicago. Dr. Saimon was a special man, generous, unselfish, he enjoyed life with an inspiring strength and compassion. His personality and righteous character impressed all who came in contact with him. No person was a stranger. Happiness to Jerry ranged from the simplest pleasures of life a holiday gathering of family and friends to the happiness he found in his marriage to his wife, Florence. He and his wife loved to entertain and shared happy experiences with their many friends. His life was an honorable one and his compassion was felt by many. As a citizen of the world, he traveled extensively throughout. However, his love of Italy, and Reggio Emilia in particular, a city in northern Italy, in which his wife’s relatives lived was his very favorite. He leaves his adoring wife and teammate, Florence, nee Simonelli, Saimon; three treasured daughters, Renata (Toby) Cartright, Regina Husko, Roberta (Randy) Adsit; two step-sons whom he loves as his own, Mel Zeman (Kristen) and Robert Zeman (Jayne Krejci); along with his loving Grandchildren Jerald J. Zeman (Jennifer Brown), Chad Husko, Jacob Husko, Allison Husko, Kelsey and Thomas Cartright, Emily Adsit and John Adsit. May those who knew him, carry his memory with them. A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on June 23, at St. John the Baptist Church, 0S233 Church Street, Winfield, IL.
