LENOX, Mass. — William W. Simons, 88, of Lenox, formerly of Pittsfield, died peacefully on Friday, November 4, 2016, with his family close by.



He was born in New York City on March 13, 1928, to Abraham Rubin Simons and Yetta Lubowsky Simons, recent immigrants to this country from Eastern Europe. Bill spent his early years in the Bronx until his father secured a position as a tailor in Glens Falls, N.Y. The premature death of his mother forced his family to return to NYC so that his father could enlist the support of his extended family.



Bill served as a sergeant in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Korea. Upon discharge he returned to NYC, where he took advantage of the GI Bill and pursued an undergraduate degree from New York University. He was the first in his family to go to college. After graduation, he worked full-time while putting himself through law school at night at New York University.



In May 1953, he married the love of his life, Marilyn Frankel. Together they created a home imbued with values of family, faith and service. In 1960 Bill moved his family from NYC to the Berkshires, where his wife's family had been spending summers since 1946. He led a distinguished law career as an Assistant District Attorney, a criminal defense attorney and a general civil practitioner.



He served his community by assuming leadership positions with the Pittsfield Jewish Community Center and Congregation Knesset Isreal. In 1978 Governor Michael Dukakis appointed Bill as an Associate Justice of the Superior Court. He served that court with distinction for fifteen years, earning a reputation as a fair-minded, compassionate and practical jurist. Upon retirement from the Bench he entered private practice with his son, Richard.



Bill was a true citizen of the world. He loved history, appreciated music and literature, and loved the simple pleasure of sitting on his porch swing on Commonwealth Avenue observing the world. Nothing gave him more pleasure than being surrounded by his loving family. He devoted his life to using his talents and intellect to serve both his community and country.



Bill was predeceased by his parents and three siblings: Anna Simons Smith, Harry Simons and Samuel Simons.



He is survived by his sister Gertrude Rapaport of Wilingboro, N.J.; his wife Marilyn: his children Amy Simons Abramovich and son Richard Simons (Marcie) of Pittsfield; four grandchildren, Daniel Abramovich, Emily Abramovich, Judith Marks (Ariel) and Hannah Simons; and one great-grandson, Eliav Marks.



Funeral Notice: There will be a funeral on Sunday, November 6, 2016, at noon at Congregation Knesset Isreal, 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield, followed by burial in the Knesset Isreal cemetery. The family will sit shiva at 114 Nothumberland Road, Pittsfield, on Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The evening service will be recited at 7:15 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Congregation Knesset Isreal, 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Arrangements are under the direction of Flynn & Dagnoli-Bencivenga Home for Funerals.