[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 170 (Tuesday, November 29, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1533]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MICHAEL SIMONOFF

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TED LIEU

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 2016

  Mr. TED LIEU of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 
the life of Michael Scott Simonoff--a beloved husband, father, and 
son--who passed away following a motorcycle accident on Wednesday, 
November 9, 2016.
  Michael was born in 1967 to Jerome and Carol Simonoff in New York and 
spent his formative years in Plainview, Long Island. He graduated from 
John F. Kennedy High School in 1985 and attended the University of 
Denver where he received a Bachelor's of Science in Accounting and a 
CPA license. He went on to earn a law degree from Whittier Law School 
in Southern California in 1998.
  While Michael is recognized for his business acumen, he was also 
extraordinarily generous with his time and resources. He started his 
own firm, the Simonoff Group that provided office services, consulting, 
and bookkeeping to businesses. As a member of the California State Bar, 
Michael also used his legal expertise to negotiate complex real estate 
deals.
  His ceaseless generosity is manifested in his final act of goodness. 
Michael donated his organs to ensure others in need could have the gift 
of life. His family hopes this beautiful gift will allow others to live 
their lives to the fullest and extend Michael's free and beautiful 
spirit.
  Michael is survived by his wife, Elayne Howitt, and two sons, Joel 
Simonoff and Sam Simonoff and two stepsons Adam Howitt and Josh Howitt 
of Encino, California. He also leaves behind his parents Jerome and 
Carol Simonoff of Marina Del Rey, California, his brother Zachary 
Simonoff, sister-in-law Lisa Swenski of Lorain, Ohio, his sister 
Rachael Wexler, brother-in-law Eric Wexler as well as his niece Amanda 
Wexler and nephew Harrison (Harry) Wexler of Pacific Palisades, 
California. He is survived by many good friends and extended family.
  A funeral was held for Michael on Sunday November 13, 2016 at the 
Mount Sinai Cemetery. In the spirit of Michael's generosity, the 
Simonoff family requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to 
charities of their choice. I wish Michael's family nothing but peace 
and solace as they mourn the loss of a cherished husband, father, and 
son. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Michael Simonoff's 
beautiful life.

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