Fr. Eugene Power Simon, SJ, a priest in the Detroit area for more than 50 years, died July 15 at the age of 88. Fr. Simon had been living at Lourdes Assisted Living in Waterford, and previously lived at St. Elizabeth Briarbank in Bloomfield Hills.

Fr. Simon was born Oct. 31, 1924, in Evanston, Ill., near Chicago. His family moved to Detroit, when he was a teenager. He graduated from the University of Detroit Jesuit High School (Detroit) in 1943.

Fr. Simon entered the Society of Jesus in 1943. He continued his education, earning multiple degrees over the next decades, including a master’s degree from John Carroll University (Cleveland).

He also held various teaching and administrative positions during this time. Fr. Simon taught at St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland; Loyola Academy near Chicago; and his alma mater, University of Detroit Jesuit High School. He was also a chancellor, treasurer, professor, dorm prefect and assistant director of admissions at John Carroll University. Fr. Simon was also the director of Manresa Jesuit Retreat House in Bloomfield Hills from 1978-90, and worked in the community at Colombiere Center.

Later in life, Fr. Simon was active at St. Regis Parish, Bloomfield Hills, and Holy Name Parish, Birmingham, and at St. Elizabeth Briarbank Assisted Living for Women. He also had an active prison ministry.

Outside of his priestly duties, Fr. Simon enjoyed collecting art, visiting the Detroit Institute of Art, and supporting young local artists.

He is survived by his brother, Gerald (“Jerry”). A funeral Mass for Fr. Simon was held July 22 at Holy Name Parish. Memorial tributes may be made to: U of D Jesuit High School, 8400 S. Cambridge, Detroit, MI 48221.