Joseph Giuseppe SIMERI

25 NOV 1924 - 11 NOV 2012

• BIRTH: 25 NOV 1924, Gioiosa Ionica, Reggio Calabria , Italy
• BURIAL: Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka, IN
• DEATH: 11 NOV 2012, Mishawaka, IN

• MARRIAGE: 23 AUG 1947, St. Monica Catholic, Mishawaka, IN

INDEX

[N1993] Joseph Simeri
Nov. 25, 1924 - Nov. 11, 2012
MISHAWAKA - Joseph Simeri passed away peacefully in his home with his family and caregivers at his side on November 11, 2012. He was born Giuseppe Simeri on November 25, 1924, in the province of Reggio Calabria in the town of Gioiosa Ionica, Italy, to the late Louis (Luigi) and Rosina (Linarello) Simeri. At the age of five he came to America with his mother and sisters to rejoin their father and start a new life. Joseph married the former Mary Cantanzarite on August 23, 1947, at St. Monica Catholic Church in Mishawaka, IN. He served in the United States Army from 1943-1946, where he was stationed in Iwo Jima and Saipan. He left the service with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign medal with Bronze Star, a Good Conduct Medal and the Victory Medal. Joe is survived by the love of his life, whom he shared all things with for 65 years, his wife, Mary. Also surviving are a remaining sister, Julia (Rocco) Ameduri of South Bend; two sisters-in-law, Josephine (Patrick) Simeri of Granger and Rita (late Richard) Rucano of Mishawaka. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews, Tony (Stephanie) Rucano of Granger, Marie Rucano of Mishawaka, Richard (Dusty) Rucano of Mishawaka, Francine (Matt) Riley of Mishawaka, Patti Simeri of Florida, Rosemary (Kevin) Pickrell of South Bend, Gina (Terry) Kelly of Valparaiso, Rosemary Mandrici of South Bend, John Rappelli of South Bend, Leona Rappelli of South Bend, Linda (Warren) Verteramo of South Bend, Gina (Lawrence) Loebach of South Bend, Louis Ruscio of South Bend and Mary Grace (Ernest) Keresztes. Along with many great-nieces and nephews, "Little Tony," "Little Gina," Sarah, Matthew, Brandon, Camille, Patrick, Christopher, Rocco, Daniel, Juliana, Angela, Gabriella, Alexander, Michael and Ernest II. Preceding him in death were two sisters, Carmella (Louis) Rappelli and Natalie (Anthony) Ruscio. As a lifelong resident of Mishawaka, Joe began a business career with building and operating a grocery store named Normain Heights Grocery Store, located on McKinley Avenue for over 25 years along with his wife and father-in-law, the late Anthony Catanzarite. The love for his city brought him to seek public office, first as a Mishawaka 5th District Councilman. He also served as a member of the Mishawaka Board of Zoning Appeals, Mishawaka Common Council and Area Plan Commission. Joe also organized and started what was known as the North Side Little League where he was first president. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Maria DeLoreto Society of Mishawaka, the Elks Club and VFW Post #360. His entrepreneurship and vision brought him and his wife to develop the first Grape Road strip mall, JMS Plaza, located at 4609 Grape Road, Mishawaka. Thankful and appreciative for the love and support of his community, family and friends, Joe and his wife wanted to give back to the community by supporting their church and the new Saint Joseph Regional Hospital in Mishawaka. Above all, Joe loved the surrounding of his family and friends at cookouts, parties and family vacations. He only had the kindest words of all and treated everyone as his equal. He loved bowling and golf and even scored a hole-in-one on two occasions. His laughter, his jokes and war stories will be well-remembered by all those who knew and loved him. A special thanks goes out to his caregivers from Granny Nanny, the Center for Hospice, and his family doctor, Dr. Afyouni. Beyond all, his greatest love, is the love he leaves behind, his wife Mary, who for 65 years stood side-by-side enjoying all life has to offer. His family will miss and love him always. Family and friends may call on Thursday, November 15, 2012, at the Bubb Funeral Chapel, 3910 N. Main Street, Mishawaka, from 12:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, November 16, 2012, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 52553 Fir Road, Granger, IN, where there will also be one hour of visitation from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Friday. Monsignor William C. Schooler will officiate the services, with entombment to follow at Fairview Cemetery in Mishawaka. Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice.
Published in South Bend Tribune on November 13, 2012