Stanley Simon was a prominent American lawyer and politician, best remembered for serving as the 10th Borough President of The Bronx from 1979 to 1987. His journey from a humble background in a Bronx neighborhood to becoming a powerful Democratic leader reflects both determination and opportunity. Known for his influence in New York City politics, Simon played a significant role during a transformative era for the Bronx, marked by urban challenges and community rebuilding efforts.
However, Simon’s story is not just about rise and recognition. His career was overshadowed by the infamous Wedtech corruption scandal, which ultimately led to his downfall. This article explores his early life, political career, controversies, net worth, marriage, affairs, and legacy, offering a balanced view of a leader whose impact still sparks debate.
Quick Bio of Stanley Simon
| Full Name | Stanley Simon |
| Born | March 3, 1930 – Manhattan, New York City, U.S. |
| Died | August 27, 2023 (aged 93) – Riverdale, Bronx, New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Lawyer, Politician |
| Political Party | Democratic |
| Famous For | 10th Borough President of The Bronx (1979–1987) |
| Education | New York University; Brooklyn Law School |
| Spouse | Irene Urist (m. 1961) |
| Children | 2 daughters |
| Net Worth (Est.) | Approx. $500K–$1M (unverified) |
| Notable Scandal | Conviction in Wedtech corruption case (1987–1988) |
Early Life and Education
Stanley Simon was born on March 3, 1930, in Manhattan, and raised in Morris Heights, The Bronx. His parents, Russian Jewish immigrants, ran a small candy store that became central to his modest childhood. Growing up in this working-class neighborhood helped Simon connect deeply with Bronx communities.
He pursued higher education at New York University, later earning a law degree from Brooklyn Law School. His strong academic foundation and Bronx roots gave him credibility with voters and paved the way for his career in law and politics.
Political Career Beginnings
Simon’s political journey began in the early 1970s, when he became an active figure in Bronx Democratic Party leadership. In 1973, he secured a seat on the New York City Council, replacing Bertram Gelfand. At the same time, he also served as head of the Bronx Bar Association, further strengthening his network.
He built close ties with Stanley M. Friedman, a powerful Bronx Democratic leader. Though Friedman never held elected office, he controlled political appointments. Simon’s loyalty to him helped elevate his political career.
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Bronx Borough President
In 1978, after Robert Abrams was elected New York Attorney General, Simon became the interim Bronx Borough President. Despite racial and political divides among council members, he secured the position with Friedman’s backing.
By 1979, Simon officially won the election. He was re-elected in 1981, defeating Ismael Betancourt, a Liberal Party candidate supported by former Borough President Herman Badillo.
Simon’s toughest challenge came in 1985, when Assemblyman José E. Serrano nearly defeated him in the Democratic primary. The narrow victory reflected shifting Bronx demographics and growing Latino influence.
Controversies and Conviction
Simon’s career collapsed during the Wedtech scandal, a major federal corruption investigation in the late 1980s. He was accused of extortion, perjury, tax evasion, and obstruction of justice tied to the Bronx-based Wedtech Corporation.
In 1987, Simon resigned while under investigation. Soon after, U.S. Attorney Rudolph Giuliani announced his indictment. In 1988, he was convicted of racketeering and extortion and sentenced to five years in prison at Allenwood Federal Prison Camp.
His sentence was later reduced, and he was released in 1991 after serving two years. The scandal ruined his political career and reputation, leaving a permanent stain on his legacy.
Later Life and Legacy
After prison, Simon retreated from politics and lived quietly in Riverdale, Bronx. Public perception of him remained negative; former New York City Mayor Ed Koch even described him as “a fool and a simpleton.”
Despite criticism, Simon’s career illustrates the power structures of Bronx politics in the 1970s and 1980s, where loyalty and influence often outweighed policy. His story is still studied as an example of both political ambition and the dangers of corruption.
Stanley Simon’s Leadership Style
Stanley Simon’s leadership style reflected both loyalty and pragmatism. He was known as a traditional party politician, valuing alliances and operating within the Bronx Democratic machine. His approach relied heavily on network-building and political favors, which helped him gain influence but also tied him to controversies.
While some praised his accessibility and focus on community issues, critics argued that he lacked independent vision. His reliance on party bosses like Stanley M. Friedman highlighted a leadership style that was effective in securing power but vulnerable to corruption and scandal.
Relationship with Stanley M. Friedman
Stanley Simon’s political rise was closely tied to Stanley M. Friedman, a powerful Bronx Democratic leader. Friedman, although unelected, influenced appointments and political decisions throughout the borough. Simon’s loyalty to Friedman secured him vital support, including his path to becoming Borough President. However, this relationship also connected him to the Wedtech scandal, showing how political alliances could both elevate and damage careers in New York’s turbulent political scene.
Role in Bronx Development
As Bronx Borough President, Stanley Simon supported projects aimed at revitalizing the Bronx during the 1980s. The borough was struggling with crime, poverty, and urban decay, and Simon advocated for community development programs, housing improvements, and stronger representation at city hall. While his contributions were often overshadowed by corruption charges, his role in pushing for Bronx redevelopment reflected his commitment to improving living conditions for local residents.
Stanley Simon in Public Memory
In public memory, Stanley Simon remains a controversial figure. Many Bronx residents recall him as a familiar political leader who fought for local representation, while others remember the corruption scandal that ended his career.
Political peers like Ed Koch criticized him harshly, yet community members often described him as approachable and personable. Today, his story represents both the strengths and weaknesses of Bronx political leadership in the late 20th century.
Lessons from His Political Downfall
Stanley Simon’s downfall offers lasting lessons about political power and accountability. His conviction in the Wedtech scandal revealed how loyalty to party bosses and personal gain can undermine public trust. Modern politicians can learn from his mistakes, recognizing the importance of transparency, ethics, and community service. Simon’s story is a cautionary tale—reminding leaders that ambition without integrity can lead to both personal ruin and lasting reputational damage.
Personal Life
Simon married Irene Urist in 1961, and the couple had two daughters. His marriage lasted more than six decades, enduring through both his political success and his imprisonment.
Friends and neighbors in Riverdale remembered Simon as a family-oriented man, very different from the image painted by scandals. His personal life reflected stability, even while his career was marked by turbulence.
Stanley Simon Net Worth
Though exact details are unavailable, Stanley Simon’s net worth is estimated between $500K and $1M. His earnings came primarily from his legal career and time in public office.
The Wedtech scandal and his conviction undoubtedly hurt his financial standing. After prison, Simon lived modestly compared to many political figures, reflecting the dramatic highs and lows of his career.
Marriage and Family Life
Simon’s marriage to Irene Urist was a central part of his life. Together they raised two daughters, with Irene supporting him through public scrutiny and legal battles.
His family provided a foundation of stability, and despite controversies, Simon remained dedicated to his role as a husband and father until his death.
Affairs and Personal Relationships
Unlike some political figures, Simon did not have any publicized affairs or scandals related to his private life. His personal reputation was largely defined by his long marriage, family life, and community ties, rather than rumors or controversies.
Stanley Simon’s Famous Appearances in Media
Although Stanley Simon was not a performer, his career as Bronx Borough President made him a recognizable face in news coverage and political broadcasts across New York City. During the late 1970s and 1980s, Simon frequently appeared in local television interviews, public debates, and community events, often highlighted by media outlets like The New York Times and local Bronx newspapers.
Simon also gained national attention during the Wedtech scandal, which was heavily reported on by major networks. His courtroom appearances, press conferences, and interviews brought his name into headlines across the country. While he never starred in entertainment shows, his visibility on political talk programs, news documentaries, and archival footage of New York politics cemented his image as a public figure.
Death
Stanley Simon died on August 27, 2023, at age 93. Surprisingly, news of his death was not widely reported until July 2024. He left behind his wife, children, and a complicated legacy in Bronx political history.
Conclusion
The life of Stanley Simon is a powerful example of political ambition, achievement, and eventual downfall. From his beginnings as the son of Russian Jewish immigrants in the Bronx to serving as Borough President, Simon climbed the ladder of New York politics.
Yet, his downfall in the Wedtech corruption scandal serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of power and political loyalty. Remembered for both his role in Bronx development and his conviction, Simon’s legacy remains a complex mix of accomplishment and controversy.
FAQs About Stanley Simon
Who was Stanley Simon?
Stanley Simon was an American lawyer and politician, best known for serving as the 10th Borough President of The Bronx from 1979 to 1987.
What was Stanley Simon famous for?
He became widely recognized for his role in Bronx politics and later for his involvement in the Wedtech corruption scandal.
When did Stanley Simon die?
Stanley Simon passed away on August 27, 2023, at the age of 93. His death was publicly revealed nearly a year later in July 2024.
What was Stanley Simon’s net worth?
While not officially confirmed, Stanley Simon’s net worth was estimated at $500K–$1M, based on his career in law and politics.
Was Stanley Simon married?
Yes, Stanley Simon married Irene Urist in 1961. The couple had two daughters and remained together until his death.
Did Stanley Simon have any affairs?
No verified records suggest that Simon had affairs. Most accounts highlight his long-lasting marriage and family life.
Why did Stanley Simon go to prison?
He was convicted in 1988 on charges of racketeering, extortion, and corruption in connection with the Wedtech scandal and served about two years in prison.
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