Donald Simon
Celebrating a Life Lived at Full Throttle
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donald Frederick Simon, who left us on September 22, 2025 at the young age of 61. He was a beloved father, son, brother, and friend and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Born on December 26th, 1963, in Annapolis, MD, “Donnie,” as he was known to most of us, grew up surrounded by family and friends who nurtured his love for great music, classic muscle cars, and fishing & crabbing in the Chesapeake Bay. He was a graduate of Annapolis High School, where he was often the life of the party and where he forged lifelong friendships, many of those friendships beginning as early as his days at West Annapolis Elementary School.
After a brief career in the United States Navy, serving on the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CV-62), Donnie had a long career as a house painter and handyman. In that time, Donnie worked for many Annapolis residents and business owners, improving their homes and businesses. As a fisherman, Donnie’s skill was unmatched. He once caught a Maryland State Record Thresher Shark at 15 feet, 11 inches and 585 pounds. He could probably catch a fish in a mud puddle after a storm.
Donnie is pre-deceased by his father David P. Simon.
He is survived by his daughter, Kayla M. Simon; mother, Jane L. Andrew and stepfather Clifford G. Andrew; brother Douglas B. Simon and his wife Debbie; sisters, Sharon E. Simon and her husband Ira Baron; Erin “Hallie” H. Andrew; stepsiblings Amalie “Mollie” L. Ward and Galen M. Andrew; aunts, Julie Fowler of Annapolis and Nancy Reed and her husband Ernie of Midwest City, OK; and his uncle Joe Thompson and his wife Susie.
Donnie is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces, and dozens lifelong friends whose children referred to him as “Uncle Donz.”
Donnie had an occasionally-fiery temper, but it was outmatched by his deep love, strength, generosity, and compassion for those less fortunate than himself.
A memorial gathering will be held from 11-1 on October 19th, 2025 at Hardesty Funeral Home, 12 Ridgely Avenue, Annapolis MD, 21401,with a time of sharing beginning at 11:30 a.m.. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of Donnie’s life.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Samaritan House in Annapolis or to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in memory of Donald Frederick Simon.
Donnie, also known as “Uncle Donnie” or “The Donz,” will be remembered for his sense of humor, his strong love for his family & friends, and his passionate energy. May he rest in peace.