Dr. Mel Simón, In Memoriam

Dr. Mel P. Simon, Age 89 of Gallipolis, Ohio Passed away peacefully on March 7, 2025, in Evanston, Illinois, surrounded by his loving family.

A Life Well-Lived

Dr. Mel P. Simon was born on October 29, 1935, in Angadanon, Isabela, Philippines, to Lucrecia Palatao Simon and Melecio G. Simon. He was the eight of twelve children.

During his last year in medical school, he met his Valentine sweetheart, Lydia Sarzaba, a young nurse who would become the love of his life. In 1959, when Dr. Simon traveled to the United States for medical training, he arranged to be on Lydia’s flight, knowing that she was also heading to the U.S. for a position at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. They married that same year and soon arranged to work at the same hospital.

Dr. Simon graduated from the University of Santo Tomas Medical School in 1959 and completed his surgical internship and residency in Urology at Cook County Hospital in Chicago in 1966.

Settling in Gallipolis, Ohio, Dr. Simon dedicated his life to serving the community. He was the only urologist across several counties while working with Holzer Hospital. In 1972, he and Lydia founded the Hillcrest Urological Clinic, where he took care of his patients and performed surgeries out of four hospitals in Ohio and West Virginia. His commitment to healthcare extended beyond urology. He was a founding member of Pinecrest Nursing Home, now known as The Arbors, in 1978. This was the first facility dedicated to senior care in Southeast Ohio.

A man of deep generosity and service, Dr. Simon was actively involved in the Rotary Club of Gallipolis. Alongside Lydia, he led “Operation We Care,” a medical-surgical mission team that provided care to indigent patients in remote areas of the Philippines for over 30 years. With the help of Rotary International and local Rotarians, he brought hope and healing to many. His leadership was widely recognized, and he was honored to be the first Filipino-American to serve as District Governor of Rotary District 6690 in the United States (1998-1999).

In 2009, he established the French 500 Free Clinic in Gallia County to provide medical care to uninsured patients. He also served on the Rio Grande University Board of Trustees for many years and funded a new Chemistry Lab. In 2010, he was honored and inducted into the Ohio Senior Citizen Hall of Fame for his outstanding contributions to the community.

Col. Mel P Simon
Oct. 28, 1994

Dr. Simon was proud to serve in the United States Air Force Reserves, Medical Corps, achieving the rank of full Colonel at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. His love for service blended with his passion for flying, and he became an instrument-rated pilot, flying his own planes.

A philanthropist, among his many projects, he and Lydia were instrumental in the restoration of the historic Ariel Opera House which led to the birth of The Ohio Valley Symphony Orchestra, where he served on the Board of Directors.

A world traveler, Dr. Simon always found solace at his home by the Ohio River. Fulfilling his father’s dream of becoming a farmer, he purchased and worked on a 150-acre historic dairy farm in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, renaming it Simon’s Old Town Farm. Here is where many family reunions and community fundraising campaigns were celebrated.

He was an avid Harley motorcyclist, a downhill skier, and a lover of water sports and boating.

He was a man of deep faith and a devout Catholic. An active parishioner at St. Louis Catholic Church, Dr. Simon was 4th-degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

Family & Loved Ones

Dr. Simon is survived by his beloved wife, Lydia Sarzaba Simon, and his children:
• Maria Lucrecia Simon (Paul Weber) Skokie, Illinois
• Sherwyn Simon (Theresa Simon) Point Pleasant, West Virginia
• Paul Simon (deceased) Paul Simon (Agnes Enrico Simon) Point Pleasant, West Virginia

He was a cherished grandfather to Lauren Simon SeJan, Ross Dixon, Joshua Simon, Jacob Simon, and Zachary Simon, and a loving great-grandfather to Isabell Albarran, Elliott SeJan, and Collins SeJan. Dr. Simon was beloved brother to Remy Simon of Gallipolis, Ohio.

Service & Remembrance

A visitation and Funeral Mass was held at St. Mary’s Church followed by a Celebration of Life in Evanston, IL, on March 22, 2025. Dr. Simon’s final resting place will be at Ohio Memorial Gardens Mausoleum in Gallipolis, Ohio, on March 29, 2025.

The family expresses deep appreciation for his team of compassionate caregivers and the Hospice Team at Journey Care, as well as The Merion community and staff for their kindness and care.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Mel’s name to:
Ariel Opera House
www.arieloperahouse.org
Ohio Valley Symphony
PO Box 424 Gallipolis, OH 45631