A Celebration of Life for Mr. Emmanuel Joseph Simon of Tampa, Florida who passed away on October 23, 2021 will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 3rd, at Aikens Funeral Home 2708 E. Martin Luther King Blvd. Tampa, Florida 33610. Mr. Serge Gaspard officiating. The interment will follow at Florida National Cemetery.

Emmanuel was born December 8, 1952 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti to Joseph Simon and Anise Etienne. He was a social justice warrior and his hobbies included playing music, Haitian food, socializing, philanthropy and western movies. Emmanuel served in the US military and was a combat wounded veteran. He was also known as "Pat" short for 'Patne' in Creole to his fellow associates and "Katon" from the radio show that he hosted Katon Publicity in New York. He sided with the less fortunate of the streets and the homeless, and he kept money in his car handy so when he saw them, he could give them some money and hope. He gave to the men, women, and children of the neighborhood whenever they were in need, and he would get ice cream for all of the kids from the truck. He knew the schedule of the birds and squirrels and would feed them as they came. More than anything else, he loved music and had music in his heart. Whether the music was Creole, English, Spanish, he found a connection and sang to the best of his ability. He liked Frank Sinatra, Kompa music, Charles Aznavour, Michel Sardou among others. He liked watching Westerns like the Good The Bad and The Ugly. According to ones mood, he would make music to uplift the spirits of others. His family was his sanctuary, and no one came near!!! He joined the military early in life and acquired the discipline necessary to manage his life and that of his family. He was forceful about projects until they were complete, and he had a resolve about completing things that he started. He was a giving person and a decent man, father and husband. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandmother, Antonine Simon; sister, Richeline; brother, Guiguine. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Claudette Simon; two sons and one grandchild; he had many sisters and brothers and had the closest relationship with brother, Guiliano and sister Colette. Many in both Haiti and the U.S. mourn the loss of Emmanuel, may he rest in peace.

The visitation will be held at Aikens Funeral Home 2708 E. Martin Luther King Blvd. Tampa, Florida 33610, Wednesday, November 3rd from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. The family and friends are asked to meet at the Chapel. We are following the CDC guidelines.

Visitation
Aikens Funeral Home
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
2708 E Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Tampa, Florida 33610

Funeral Service
Aikens Funeral Home
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2708 E Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Tampa, Florida 33610