Obituary of Frank H. Simonson

Frank Herbert Simonson, "Herb" to his friends, an accountant schooled under the G.I. Bill, who helped to manage finances for Aristotle S. Onassis, died August 26th at Morris View Healthcare Center. He was 96, and lived in Mt. Tabor nearly all his life. For 35 years, Mr. Simonson worked within the group who directed the complex flow of finances for foreign flag shipping concerns connected to Mr. Onassis and his daughter, Christina. He was also involved with Olympic Airways and Victory Development, coordinating finances for the raising of Olympic Tower on Madison Avenue. Mr. Simonson was born in Morristown. His father, Clarence E. Simonson, was a master carpenter, who built many, and repaired most of the gingerbread-style houses that still line the narrow streets of Mt. Tabor. His mother, Helen E. Baker was born in Newark, daughter of a physician. Before World War II, Mr. Simonson played center-position hockey for the Tabor Zebras, part of the Tabor Athletic Club. He also competed semi-pro for the Jamaica Hawks and Hershey Bears, two of the many pre-War leagues in this region. He conveyed his love for Shakespeare as a member of the Tabor Players group. Mr. Simonson served four years in World War II as radio operator in the Army Air Force Airways Communications System (744 AAF BN 114 AACS SQ), stationed throughout North Africa and the Middle East. Following the War, Mr. Simonson settled back home in Mt. Tabor, where in 1947 he married Anne Proctor Simonson, daughter of Anne and Hilliard Proctor of Long Island. Together they raised their daughter and two sons. He graduated from Rutgers University under the G.I. Bill while also starting his career with Isbrandtsen Steamship Co. in Manhattan. In 1951 he moved to Victory Carriers, Inc. and Affiliates, where he served until his retirement in 1986. Throughout his long life he fervently pursued his deep passion for golf at the Mt. Tabor Country Club, where his lifetime low handicap was in the single digits. He served as Club Treasurer for many years. His marriage to Anne Proctor Simonson spanned 53 years until her death in 2000. He is survived by his two sons, Kevin and James, both of Mt. Tabor. Funeral Service will be held on Friday, September 2nd at 10:00 am at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Ave., Denville. Burial will follow at Denville Cemetery. Public visitation will be held on Thursday, September 1st from 2-4 & 7-9 pm at the Funeral Home. Memorial Donations can be made in his memory to NJ Sharing Network by way of www.inmemoryof-memorial.org. Please visit www.normandean.com to leave a condolence for his family.