N.J. Man Was 'Love' Of Grandparents' Life Before Allegedly Killing Them With Baseball Bat

Betty Simon was the center of her large, extended family, planning gatherings, cooking, and spending quality time with her family.

She was especially close to her children and 11 grandchildren, her obituary said, whom she considered “the loves of her life.”

On Saturday, one of those grandchildren allegedly killed her and her husband, using an aluminum baseball bat that prosecutors say happened while they slept.

Now the family is planning a funeral for their beloved matriarch and patriarch, while also coming to grips with the possibility that she was killed by one of her beloved.

Their obituaries, published by Branchburg Funeral Home, reflected the family’s feelings of remorse and reflection, noting that both took care of everybody close them, no matter what.

“She [Betty] served as a caretaker to many and gave herself to family, friends, neighbors, and even the less fortunate,” according to her obituary.

Erza Simon-Daniels, 20, was allegedly upset when he called to report the murders of his grandparents, Louis Simon, 78, and Betty Simon, 65, at their Readington Road in Branchburg on Saturday, officials with the Somerset County Prosecutor’s office said.

Simon-Daniels was arrested with two counts of first degree murder in connection with the case.

Betty and Louis Simons lived rich lives, and they ultimately shared that goodness with their family.

Betty Simon lived in Manhattan for 25 years before moving to Branchburg 39 years ago. Betty modeled with the Ford Modeling Agency in New York City for several years before she moved to New Jersey, according to her obituary.

Simon was a communicant with St. Ann Roman Catholic Church, where she taught CCD for over 20 years.

“Betty had a smile that would light up a room she walked into,” according to the obituary.

Louis Simon was born in Hungary, and immigrated to the U.S. in 1956. He lived in Manhattan for 15 years, before moving to Branchburg 39 years ago.

Simon was a self-employed engineer and inventor who pioneered the ”recycled plastics” industry, where he held multiple patents for machinery, materials, and structures, according to his obituary.

Anyone who knew him would refer to him as a ”mechanical genius,” according to his obituary.

“Family meant everything to Louis and he enjoyed spending time with them most of all, especially his children and grandchildren,” his obituary said. “He spent countless hours with his loving wife Betty, enjoying cruises, casinos, and dinners together.”

The viewing will be held Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Branchburg Funeral Home, 910 US Highway 202 South, Branchburg.

Funeral services will start with a prayer at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home on Saturday followed by a 10:30 a.m. funeral liturgy at St. Ann Roman Catholic Church in Raritan. Interment will follow at the St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Bridgewater.