Giacomo Red Simone

Giacomo John A. “Red” Simone, 95, of Worcester, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. His wife Flora (Zollo) Simone died in 2009.   John was born in Worcester, a son of Italian Immigrants,Tommaso and Armida (Monfreda) Simone. He graduated from Commerce High School, joining the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943, serving his country proudly in the South Pacific. Upon his return from the War in 1947 he accepted a position as a police officer for the City of Worcester, serving the citizens of the city for the next 38 years. He was a very compassionate and caring man, taking a special interest in helping the youth at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. John lived through the Great Depression and passed on the importance of hard work and sacrifice to his children and their families.   John was affectionately known as "Mimi" by his family. He was truly an amazing and talented man who spoke 3 languages, and was a gifted artist and musician. John enjoyed the simple things in life and took great pride in his garden and beautiful flowers surrounding his yard. John loved listening to his Italian Classical Operas. He was a man of great honor. But most of all, he was a devoted family man who cherished every moment with his loved ones.   John was an exceptional athlete in his youth, excelling in football and baseball as a semi-pro in the Worcester area. He was a great fan and enthusiast of all sports, especially the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots.   John served as Commander and Adjutant at East Side Post American Legion 201, where he was a member for 56 years. He was a lifetime member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church and was active for many years in Church serving as a lector. He was also a member of the Marine Corp. League and the Biscee Club of Worcester.   John is survived by his two sons, Robert A. Simone of Dennisport and Thomas J. Simone and his wife Angela; a daughter, Angela A. Haddad and her husband George all of Shrewsbury; a brother, Bartolomeo “Tom” Simone and a sister, Mary Salerno both of Worcester; eight grandchildren, Melissa Lambert and her husband Brian, Matthew Haddad, Michelle Kilroy, Maria Bell and her husband Steve, Thomas Jr. and his wife Julie, Elaina Gauvin and her husband Keith, John Simone and his wife Katrina, and Alexandra Tellier and her husband Jon; 10 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.  A brother, Joseph “Blondie” Simone and two sisters, Vincenza Quitadamo and Maria Simone pre-deceased him.     A special thanks to all of the staff at the Lutheran Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center for their kindness and professionalism.    Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours, Monday November 30th from 4 to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. His funeral will be held Tuesday, December 1st from the funeral home with a procession to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 24 Mulberry St. where his funeral mass will be celebrated at  10 am.  Burial with Military honors next to his dear wife Flora will follow in St. John Cemetery. Members of the East Side Post 201 will gather at 6:30 pm Monday in the funeral home to conduct their ritual.