Obituary of Francis Simons

Francis Lee “Fritz” Simons On July 28, 2022, in his home in Las Vegas, Francis Lee Simons, known to many as “Fritz,” went home to Jesus, at age 69. Fritz was born to Frank and Lois (Holts) Simons on June 18, 1953 in Salamanca, New York. Fritz graduated from Allegany High School in 1971. As a child, he was very outdoorsy and spent his time out on Five Mile Road in Allegany. He enjoyed riding his bike, playing basketball, baseball, hide-and-seek, and played in the creek with “the gang.” He never met a stranger he couldn’t talk to. Fritz was a loyal servant to God, first and foremost. In February of 1976, Fritz met Kimberly Ann Haas, a match truly made in Heaven. Fritz married his wife Kimberly on December 18, 1976, and they went on to have 3 children: Michael, Stephen, and Kevin. They raised their boys in Olean, New York with many weekends on the boat in Buffalo, Rochester, and Jamestown, New York. Fritz’s most rewarding work was the years he spent at Intandem (formally The Rehabilitation Center) in Olean, New York. In addition to being a loyal worker and friend, and a dedicated and loving father, Fritz also loved playing corn hole and poker, and was an avid Buffalo Bills fan. Throughout Fritz’s entire life, he held an unwavering faith in God, which he shared with those who surrounded him. Now that Fritz has passed into the arms of our Lord, we should remind ourselves that while this is the end of Fritz’s physical life on Earth, it’s the beginning of an eternal and beautiful journey for him. Fritz joins his mom, dad, and baby sister in Heaven. He is survived by many loving family members, including his loving wife of 45 years, Kim, and his 3 sons: Michael Simons (Holly), Stephen Simons (Cara), and Kevin Simons (Cassie). Fritz is survived by his siblings: Rolland Simons (Cindy), John Simons (Mary Anne), Mary Lee Gorman (Pat), and his grandchildren: William, Isabel, Lillian, Myla, Bianca, Luke, Colin, Paxton, Abby, and Hailee, and many caring sisters- and brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at 3:00 pm, at Harvest Life Christian Fellowship, 6624 Sky Pointe Dr, Las Vegas, NV, 89131. A memorial in Olean will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Lung Association (www.lung.org). Exodus 23:20 “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.”