Simonson, who retired from Los Gatos High in 1998 after 47 years, celebrated his 80th birthday on Feb. 6. More than 100 friends, family members, past and present colleagues, students and local residents turned out for the party. But Simonson arrived late thinking the event was in recognition of Cattolico. To throw the real honoree off guard, speakers had spent weeks interviewing Simonson about Cattolico.

Orange, black and white balloons decorated the school's large gymnasium, and a cake and greeting cards staged in honor of Cattolico were on display. Simonson approached center stage as a feigned speech about Cattolico was already in progress, only to find out from the football coach in front of everyone that the party was for him. The crowd cheered "Surprise!"

The elaborate cover-up was orchestrated by Simonson's close friend and retired assistant principal Patti Hughes. As he was crowned "the birthday boy" by Al Simon, another retired assistant principal, Simonson said he had even written a speech about Cattolico.

For about two hours, Simonson's closest friends gave speeches about his achievements and continual commitment to the community and highlighted his years as an educator. Speakers included: Jack Cody, retired Los Gatos High teacher; Sandy Spafford Moore, Los Gatos High's alumni association president; Duino Giordano, retired Los Gatos­Monte Sereno Police Department captain; Jerry McCloskey, retired administrator; Liz Floyd and Michelle Nelson, Los Gatos graduates; Paul Dubois, Los Gatos Community Foundation past president; Carol Musser, Los Gatos­Monte Sereno Police Department parking coordinator; Scott Downs, art teacher and wrestling coach; Darrell Johnston, San Jose Wind Symphony founder; Dick Sparrer, Los Gatos Weekly-Times editor; and Los Gatos Mayor Mike Wasserman.

Simon, who served as emcee, gave a brief summary of Simonson's career, which included service during World War II in liberating Dachau. He described Simonson as part of what journalist Tom Brokaw termed "our finest generation."

"He is the greatest man of the greatest generation to all of us who know him," said Hughes, with tears in her eyes. "He has the best heart of any human being I've ever known."

Simonson offered his sincere appreciation in a speech typical of his personality.

"I do say it all the time, better lucky than smart," Simonson said. "There are some of us who are luckier than others, and I'm lucky."

Following his college days and military service, Simonson joined the Los Gatos High staff in 1951 as a business teacher.

Simon listed roles Simonson held such as a school bus driver, lead negotiator for the faculty, counselor, dean of boys, football coach, assistant principal and principal. What's more, Simonson did it all without a day of sick leave in 47 years.

And with a little more of that good health and the trademark Simonson luck and energy, Ted Simonson should be celebrating many more birthdays to come.