The Honesdale community mourns the loss of Robert “Si” Simons, a beloved golf coach, educator, and mentor, who passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, at the age of 76.
Surrounded by his loving family, Bob, as he was affectionately known, never fully recovered from the heartbreaking loss of his wife, Ann Marie, to cancer in March 2024.
His death marks the end of a Pennsylvania high school golf era, but his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched.
Simons, From Honesdale, Pennsylvania, Had A Legendary 54-Year Coaching Career In Golf
Born on December 18, 1948, to Ruth and Earl Simons, Bob grew up in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, where his passion for golf took root.
He was a standout athlete at Honesdale High School, earning four varsity letters in golf and serving as team captain.
His talent shone brightly when he claimed the District 12 Golf Championship in 1966 and competed in the PIAA State Golf Tournament, setting the stage for a remarkable career.
Bob continued his education and golf career at Bloomsburg University, where he earned a degree in education and was a four-year varsity letterwinner.
His team made history by participating in the NAIA Tournament in 1969 and 1970, a testament to his skill and dedication.
Golf wasn’t just a game for Bob, it was a way to connect, teach, and inspire.
After college, Bob returned to his roots, joining the Wallenpaupack School District as a teacher and coach.
He met Ann Marie Gilhool, the junior high coach, while he was coaching the junior varsity team there.
Their shared love for sports and teaching blossomed into a beautiful partnership. On August 1, 1992, they married and had a daughter named Bridget Donovan.
Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and a shared commitment to their community.
Ann Marie, a beloved figure in her own right, passed away in March 2024 at 57 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Last June, she joined Bob as a recipient of the prestigious Butler Award, honoring their contributions to athletics.
Her loss left a void in Bob’s heart, but their love story remains a cornerstone of his legacy.
Bob’s 54-year Coaching Career Is Nothing Short Of Legendary.
As the varsity golf coach at Wallenpaupack High School, he holds the record for the most wins in Pennsylvania’s golf history.
He also coached girls’ basketball, but golf was his true calling.
Under his guidance, numerous athletes achieved state, regional, and district championships, but Bob’s impact went far beyond trophies.
He believed in teaching life lessons through sports. “Be the best you can be, on and off the course,” he’d tell his players, encouraging them to set goals and compete with goodness.
His mentorship shaped generations of athletes, earning him respect and admiration across the state.
Bob’s also served on the Wayne County Hall of Fame Committee, the Anthracite Golf Association, and the Board of Directors of the Honesdale Golf Club.
The club was his second home, where he golfed, gave lessons, and shared his passion with anyone eager to learn.
Following The News Of Robert Simons’ Death, Tributes Flooded In From Those Whose Lives He Touched
Scott Greens Golf Club wrote a heartfelt message:
Another coach expressed a heartfelt reflection:
“I hold the pleasure of coaching along side this man. The first time I saw him as a Coach was against him at Elmhurst for the District Championship with a very young team. Walking into my father’s footsteps as a golf coach, it was so comforting to be met with tremendous support from the coaches my father so respected. Yet, walking into a team district championship, in my second season, I was so grateful that I was met with the class and grace that Coach Si always demonstrated! He affirmed that because I was Tommy’s daughter I was built for this. I was mesmerized by him, I watched everything he did. He held complete respect from all who approached him. Everyone wanted to shake his hand. His players smiled at him. He was so positive. He certainly left a lasting impression on me. It will never be the same when WVC meets up with Lackawanna but, one thing I can guarantee is that he led a life of impact and will always be remembered! I learned something new in every conversation. You will be missed Coach Si, you will forever be missed.”
Via Facebook
These words capture the essence of Bob, a man who inspired respect, positivity, and excellence in everyone he met.
Bob is survived by his daughter, Bridget Donovan, her husband, Scott, and their children, Ryan and Emma Donovan.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Marie, his parents, Earl and Ruth Simons, and his father-in-law, Harold Gilhool.
The Honesdale community will gather to honor Bob’s life with a visitation at Hessling Murray Funeral Home, 428 Main Street, Honesdale, on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Blessing will follow at St. Mary Magdalen Church on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
As the community grieves his loss, they also celebrate a life well-lived, one that continues to inspire through the lessons he shared and the love he gave.
Rest in peace, Coach Si.
