KENNETH "KEN" DAVID SIMONE SR. was born Feb. 22,
1944, to Arthur & Elvera Simone, in Cicero, IL. He
passed away on Sept. 26, 2022, in Richardson, TX.
Ken graduated from J. Sterling Morton High School
in 1962. He attended the Illinois Institute of
Technology & graduated with a degree in electrical
engineering in 1966. He later attended Southern
Methodist University earning a master's in Electrical
Engineering.
Ken enjoyed a career in electrical engineering at
Western Electric, AT&T, & Lucent Technologies. After
retirement, he started a second career at Weathermatic,
bringing his expertise in engineering and automation
and his love of all things weather to the sprinkler
system industry.
Ken married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Marie
Klaczynski, in Jan. of 1966. Ken & Nancy celebrated
their 56th wedding anniversary this year.Two children
were loved and nurtured in this union, Ken Simone, Jr.
and Julie Fergerson.
Ken had a passion for electronics and pyrotechnics,
and it was not unusual to see jars of chemicals, piles
of electrical components, and computers set up for
activities with his grandchildren. Be it charging
light bulbs through the air, making everyone's hair
stand up while coursing electricity through our bodies,
or creating small explosions, Ken had a passion for
sharing Science, Engineering, Technology, and Math
with all those who would participate and learn.
In addition to Ken’s passion for all things electrical,
he enjoyed music, especially his player piano and many
other musical instruments brought out every holiday. He
was active in his retirement, flying RC Airplanes and
hanging out at the RC airstrip - and some unofficial
airstrips he and his good friends flew at much to the
annoyance of some local neighbors. Ken created the
Photography Club at the senior center and ran photo
contests for many years. This was one of the most
popular events at the senior center,
Ken also enjoyed traveling. He and Nancy enjoyed many
great adventures in national parks, trips to Mexico,
and visiting family across the US. Ken loved games
and truly enjoyed Poker with his buddies. Ken loved
the water, and he enjoyed sailing and motorboats. Ken
also played tennis for many years and switched to
pickleball in later years.
Ken will be fondly remembered for his ability to bring
a little extra fun into just about everything in life.
His loving spirit will be missed by all who were privileged
to cross his path.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and
Elvera Simone; and siblings, Arthur Jr. and Theodore.
Those left to cherish lasting memories include his wife
of 56 years, Nancy Marie Simone; children, Ken Simone,
Jr. (Tracy) and Julie Fergerson; grandchildren - Everett,
Charlotte, Jake, and Marie; & a host of nieces, nephews,
other relatives,
and many friends.
Ken wrote a life stories book last year; the book is full
of treasured stories and pictures from his life. The book
is viewable online and can also be downloaded: https://
tinyurl.com/4db66fap.
In lieu of flowers, all are encouraged to donate to Gates
Philanthropy Partners and/or St. Jude Children's Research
Hospital in Ken Simone's honor.
The Gates Foundation has been doing amazing work across
planet earth to fight hunger, diseases and so much more
using science & technology. Because Ken was so passionate
about leveraging science and technology, we are asking
donations be made to the Gates Philanthropy Partners.
Ken and Nancy also always discussed the commercials from
St. Jude, so if you wish, a donation to St. Jude would
also be appreciated. Simply click the link below. https://
www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/26013095/kenneth-ken-david-
simone-sr/garland/texas/chamberland-funerals-cremations