Leonard H. Simkin Obituary (2026)

Leonard “Len” Harold Simkin, 84, of Cinnaminson, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on October 3, 2026. Born in Passaic, NJ to Samuel and Frieda Simkin on February 12, 1942, Len later moved to Paterson along with parents and his older sister, Esther Simkin Small, who pre-deceased Len at the young age of 37. Len was fortunate to grow up in the same town as his “bashert” Judith “Judy” Simkin (nee Bornstein) who became the love of his life at a very young age. Len and Judy began their love affair while Len was a member of the Community Synagogue of Paterson, where Judy’s father, Rabbi Harry A. Bornstein, officiated Len’s Bar Mitzvah and Judy was in attendance. Len and Judy married at the Community Synagogue on August 26, 1965, and they began their young married life while both launching their careers as life-long educators. Judy and Len relocated to South Jersey in the early 70’s for Len’s job opportunity as a school administrator at Pemberton Township High School, where he remained until he became principal of North Brunswick Township High School, later retiring in 1996. Len had a positive impact on so many of his colleagues and students during his career, and continued to meet up with his co-workers until recently when he was unable to due to his illness. Len and Judy are parents to two children: Sharon Simkin Mindel (partner Marc Diamondstein) and Eric Simkin (wife Tina Bernstein). They are blessed with four wonderful grandchildren, Zachary Mindel (wife Sophia Borowsky), Rachel Mindel, Sara Simkin and Ava Simkin. Len’s family always brought him and Judy the greatest joy, and he cherished every holiday and gathering over the years. Judy and Len hosted countless Jewish holiday meals with their extended family, always with Judy’s sweet and sour meatballs, delicious home-made chicken soup, and large yummy briskets. Len and Judy are long-time members of Congregation Beth El in Voorhees, NJ where they have been leaders in the Habonim Empty Nesters Group. Len attended Shabbat morning services most weeks and was usually one of the first to arrive to enjoy the early morning Shacharit service. Len would enjoy following along the service, Torah readings and Haftarot. He took great joy in witnessing the life events at Beth El, such as B’nai Mitzvot, Aufrufs and baby namings. His deep sense of connection to his Jewish faith was evident in all that Len did in his life on this earth, as he was a pious, honest and dedicated family man. All who met Len knew where he stood on issues, and he often provided those close to him with loving guidance and thoughtful advice. Len was a big Philadelphia sports fan, and he thoroughly enjoyed watching Phillies games and discussing the ins and outs and ups and downs of the team’s performance with his friends and family. Len was a skilled stained-glass artist (AKA the Glass Crafter), evolving from making sun catchers, to Tiffany-style lamps then to large decorative windows, which will continue to provide joy and beauty to all that have Len’s masterpieces in their homes. Len’s genuinely sincere yet simple approach to life will be missed by all that knew and loved him and will be honored for eternity. Relatives and friends are invited Tuesday, October 6, 2026 beginning 10:30 am to Platt Memorial Chapels, Inc, 2001 Berlin Road, Cherry Hill, NJ where funeral services will begin promptly at 11:00 am. The service will also be live streamed on plattmemorial.com. Please scroll down to view the live stream. Interment will follow at Crescent Memorial Park in Pennsauken, NJ. Shiva will be held at the home of Judy Simkin on Tuesday immediately following internment with a service beginning at 6:30 pm, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm and again at 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm with a service at 6:30 pm each evening. Donations in Len’s memory can be made to Congregation Beth El in Voorhees, NJ, www.congbethelsnj.org or Samaritan Hospice in Mount Laurel, NJ, www.samaritannj.org. Due to a power outage the live stream was cut in half; Find the first half of the service here: https://youtube.com/live/o1Xmuk08Jj8 Find the second half of the service here: https://youtu.be/89TKHriGs6Q