John "Memo" Simone

John “Memo” Simone, 93, a retired Worcester Fire Fighter, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home,  Sunday, July 23rd 2017.  Memo was born in Worcester, one of six children of Italian Immigrants Vito and Mary (Baldino) Simone.  He grew up in a large family in the heart of the Italian community of Worcester; “East Park”.  A member of the “greatest generation”, Memo shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve his country proudly in the South Pacific.  Upon discharge from the service and return to Worcester, John married the “Love of his Life” Basilica “Bessie” Calocci and began the next 59 years in love dedicated to each other and their family.  At the same time Memo accepted a position serving the citizens of Worcester as a fire fighter for over 33 years, at headquarters on Grove street,  a member of  Engine 3, and Ladder 2 before retiring.  Memo’s wife Bessie passed away in December of 2004.  He is survived by his three children, John V. Simone and his wife Sheila of Myrtle Beach, S. Carolina, Paul Simone and his wife Lynn of Auburn, Nancy Kolodziejczak and her husband Walter of Shrewsbury;  a sister, Aurelia “Dee Dee” Coleman and her husband George of Worcester; six grandchildren; a great granddaughter; Many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.  Two siblings Domenic “Snooky” Simone, and Mary Fisher pre deceased him.  Memo was a member of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, the Local 1009, International  Brotherhood of Fire Fighters union, the Worcester Fire Relief Association,  the Eastside Post 201 American legion, and Eastside Improvement club.   He was also a steadfast member of the Men’s Biscegliese  Society and  on most days in his retirement could be found at the Biscee club, with his friends especially Marty Palermo.   An excellent cook, his fire fighter co-workers would look forward to going to the station because Memo was preparing Italian delicacies.  He family and friends also enjoyed his cooking during the holidays, and at the Biscee club.   Memo truly believed that faith, family and friends were the most important parts of his life and dedicated himself to them.  He always had room in his heart for everyone he met.  Memo was very generous with his love, time and resources, and helped anyone he could. Friends and Relatives are invited to calling hours Thursday, July 27th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.  His funeral will be held Friday, July 28th from the funeral home with a procession to Our Lady of Loreto Church, 33 Massasoit Rd. where his celebration of life mass will be held at 10:00 am.   Burial with military honors will follow in St John’s Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in his name can be made to the Worcester Fire Relief Association, 141 Grove St., Worcester, Massachusetts 01605.