Ronald "Sam" Simono

July 30, 1937 - December 6, 2021

Ronald Bernard Simono, known to everyone as "Sam", 84, of Charlotte died December 6, 2021. The oldest of four, he was born on July 30, 1937, in Two Rivers, WI. Sam received an undergraduate degree in biology from St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI in 1959. After graduating, he worked as an English teacher and athletic coach in Casco, WI. He then entered graduate school at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, where he earned his Ph.D. in counseling psychology. In 1965 Sam accepted a position at Duke University in Durham where he served as a senior counselor and assistant professor. In 1967 Sam was recruited to UNC Charlotte by the university’s founder Bonnie Cone to develop a counseling center. He was promoted to full professor and became director of Counseling and Health Services, where he worked for 37 years. He served on the Faculty Athletic committee at UNCC for 30 of those years. Sam also worked at Novant as a psychologist in the cardiac rehabilitation program for many years. Sam was a sports fan and especially loved the Green Bay Packers. He was an avid runner who completed 8 marathons. He enjoyed nature and bird watching, and he liked spending time with his grandchildren. Sam is survived by his wife of 62 years, Karen; his two sons Steve and Scott; daughter-in-law, Debbie; grandchildren Matthew, Kevin, and Ashley; and three brothers. A funeral mass will be held at 1 PM Saturday, December 11 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. The family will be receiving friends after the service in Aquinas Hall. Memorial donations may be made to Novant Hospice or a charity of your choice. James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.