Those Among Us- Henry (Harry) Simon-A Carpenter Who Also...Built A Better Ireland

Harry and the family on his 95th birthday. From left to right-daughter Melanie, Harry, son Declan, and daughter Fran. Another son, Ciaran, lives in Texas.  Photo by Gary Rice
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Although I've been absent from these pages for awhile, I certainly wanted to be able to write future columns from time to time, when I felt that there was something, or someone, worth writing about.

In looking over my past columns, none have been better received than those columns dealing with our friends and neighbors here in Lakewood. People really seemed to enjoy reading about those who have lived among us.

This week, I'd like you to know about Harry Simon. Gerry Adams does. This well-known Irish leader has dined with Harry Simon here in Cleveland. In the Greater Cleveland Irish community, there was no name better known, or more highly respected, than that of Harry Simon. In fact, Harry was even an honorary co-chair of the 2003 Cleveland St. Patrick's Day Parade.

Harry Simon passed away at his home on Bunts on the 18th of August, at the age of 95 years. He would have been 96 on September 12th. Harry left behind four children and two living grandchildren. His late wife Nina passed away a year and a day before him.

Harry was alert and active, up to the last moments of his life. This would certainly be no surprise to those who knew him. I thought that it was time you knew a bit more about him too.

Harry was born in County Galway in Ireland in 1913. At that time, Ireland was under English rule. In the years following Harry's birth, Ireland would struggle for independence from that rule. As many Irish youngsters did, Harry also became involved in that struggle, in an effort to help achieve freedom, dignity, and human rights for all of the people of Ireland. At the same time, Harry learned a building trade and became a carpenter and the youngest master joiner in Irish trade union history. After coming to this country after World War II, Harry became involved with, and for many years served as president, of his local trade union.

Harry was also one of the founders of the Cleveland Irish Northern Aid group, in his continuing lifetime effort to help bring peace and justice to the people of Northern Ireland.

Harry raised his family here in Lakewood. He was active on the local political scene for many years, while remaining a devoted family man. A lover of music, he played the Irish bodhran drum and the concertina, and he imparted this love of music to his children and grandchildren. He was also a fine Irish dancer.

Last September, on the occasion of his 95th birthday, local Lakewood musician Jack Mizenko joined my dad, Robert Rice, Harry's son Declan, and myself, at a musical jam session at Harry's home with other members of his family. Harry participated enthusiastically, both with the concertina, and with his voice; singing the Irish National Anthem in perfect Gaelic.

I piped Harry's body from his home on the day he died, while his son, Declan, beat the bodhran slowly; his body being draped with the flag of Ireland, and with his family looking on. His daughter Melanie read a beautiful prayer, and his other daughter Fran accepted the colors of a grateful nation, before he was taken away,

There's an old Irish saying about wanting to be in Heaven half an hour before the Devil knows that you're dead.

I think that you made it, Harry. In fact, I'm sure that you did.

Harry's well-attended memorial mass was held on Saturday, August 22nd, at St Clements; that being Harry's parish for 50 years.