Accomplished teacher-scholar had an infectious enthusiasm for literature, food, music and family
Reno Thomas Simone Jr., beloved father, grandfather, husband and friend, died peacefully on Saturday, March 19, 2022, from metastatic sarcoma. Although impossible to list them all here, his voracious interests included opera, literature, classical music, baseball, wine and food. Tom will be remembered for the scope of his generosity, his fascination with the human condition and the joyfulness of his belly laughs. Tom was born on October 8, 1943, to Reno T. and Norma (Jones) Simone in Kalamazoo, Mich. Growing up in Ohio and Arizona, Tom followed his pursuit of knowledge to Dartmouth College, from which he graduated in 1963. Tom then earned his PhD at Claremont Graduate School in 1973 while he was already teaching English at the University of Vermont. An accomplished teacher-scholar for over 50 years, Tom had an infectious enthusiasm for literature and ideas that attracted numerous undergraduate, master’s and honor students. Highlights from his academic career include the Integrated Humanities Program for freshmen, “Shakespeare on Page and Stage” (in London), the “impossible courses” (including James Joyce’s Ulysses), and a concert series introducing students to live music. Frustrated with teaching Dante to undergraduates, Tom decided to produce his own translations of Inferno, Purgatorio and Paradiso, with extensive introductory essays and notes (a process in which his dedicated students eagerly participated). Following his cancer diagnosis and during the COVID-19 pandemic, with his wife’s encouragement, Tom recorded an audio version of the entire translation. The resulting labor of love soon will be ready for publication. Food for Tom was a celebration, meant to be shared with family and friends. Italian was a natural favorite, but he loved exploring other cultures if he could share the results with others. His friends and family reveled in his gourmet abilities and appetites — often planning the next celebratory meal before the dishes from the first had been cleared away. Boyhood in Ohio saw him a Cleveland Indians fan, but Tom embraced the Red Sox when he moved to Vermont. The dramatic and strategic aspects of the game brought out his passion. Over the years, Tom made many trips to Fenway Park to experience the drama in person with his family. Although there were numerous disappointments in the early days, he was able to savor the recent World Series victories. Forty-eight years ago, Tom found his life’s partner and wife in Susan Shull. Their love sustained them through the joys of…
Accomplished teacher-scholar had an infectious enthusiasm for literature, food, music and family
Reno Thomas Simone Jr., beloved father, grandfather, husband and friend, died peacefully on Saturday, March 19, 2022, from metastatic sarcoma. Although impossible to list them all here, his voracious interests included opera, literature, classical music, baseball, wine and food. Tom will be remembered for the scope of his generosity, his fascination with the human condition and the joyfulness of his belly laughs. Tom was born on October 8, 1943, to Reno T. and Norma (Jones) Simone in Kalamazoo, Mich. Growing up in Ohio and Arizona, Tom followed his pursuit of knowledge to Dartmouth College, from which he graduated in 1963. Tom then earned his PhD at Claremont Graduate School in 1973 while he was already teaching English at the University of Vermont. An accomplished teacher-scholar for over 50 years, Tom had an infectious enthusiasm for literature and ideas that attracted numerous undergraduate, master’s and honor students. Highlights from his academic career include the Integrated Humanities Program for freshmen, “Shakespeare on Page and Stage” (in London), the “impossible courses” (including James Joyce’s Ulysses), and a concert series introducing students to live music. Frustrated with teaching Dante to undergraduates, Tom decided to produce his own translations of Inferno, Purgatorio and Paradiso, with extensive introductory essays and notes (a process in which his dedicated students eagerly participated). Following his cancer diagnosis and during the COVID-19 pandemic, with his wife’s encouragement, Tom recorded an audio version of the entire translation. The resulting labor of love soon will be ready for publication. Food for Tom was a celebration, meant to be shared with family and friends. Italian was a natural favorite, but he loved exploring other cultures if he could share the results with others. His friends and family reveled in his gourmet abilities and appetites — often planning the next celebratory meal before the dishes from the first had been cleared away. Boyhood in Ohio saw him a Cleveland Indians fan, but Tom embraced the Red Sox when he moved to Vermont. The dramatic and strategic aspects of the game brought out his passion. Over the years, Tom made many trips to Fenway Park to experience the drama in person with his family. Although there were numerous disappointments in the early days, he was able to savor the recent World Series victories. Forty-eight years ago, Tom found his life’s partner and wife in Susan Shull. Their love sustained them through the joys of…
