Harvey Low Simons, a prolific painter, teacher and beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, died peacefully at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston on August 19, 2026, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease and a stroke. He was 85.

Harvey was born in Boston on November 26, 1940, and grew up in Newton, a community that remained an important part of his life. He graduated from Brandeis University in 1967 and went on to teach in the Boston Public Schools for more than 20 years, touching the lives of generations of students.

Art was the center of Harvey’s life. A prolific and distinctive painter, he exhibited his work at Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) and had one-man shows at the Stux Gallery in Boston and New York. He lived and worked at the Claflin School Studios in Newtonville, an artist community that became both his home and creative refuge.

Harvey was known not only for his remarkable artistic talent, but also for his unique and irreverent sense of humor. He saw the world in his own way and was never afraid to express it. His individuality, wit, creativity and unmistakable spirit will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Simons of Newtonville; his daughter, Kerry Simons of Exeter, New Hampshire; his granddaughter Eleanor Josephson; his sister Laura Gray and her husband, Roger Gray, of Newton; and his brother Robert Simons and his wife Judy Simons of Oakland, California.

Harvey leaves behind a body of work that reflects his singular vision, as well as the memories of a life lived with creativity, humor, independence and passion.

A celebration of Harvey’s life will be held at a later date.