William J. "Bill" Simko

1956 - 2016

William J. "Bill" Simko, 60, of Little Torch Key, FL. died on July 27, 2016, while diving for lobster. Bill was born on Feb. 9, 1956, in Painesville, and grew up in Fairport Harbor on the shores of Lake Erie.
Bill served briefly in the U.S. Navy; he became a Merchant Marine and "sailed the Seven Seas." He was a Jack-of-all-trades-master of none. He was known and loved by many.
He is survived by his son Joshua (Jaime); parents Bill and Marilyn; brothers Chris and Tom (Annette, fiancé); sisters Donna Myers (Barry Layman) and Susie Telling (Brian); nieces Erin, Kate, Jessica, Nadine, Brianna, Anna, and Shania; nephew Tristan; great-niece Charlize, and numerous loving and caring friends. In addition, he was a friend of Bill W. for 25-years and impacted the lives of many along the way.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Bill's childhood parish, St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Fairport Harbor on August 20 at 10 a.m.
A Mass of Intention was held on August 2 at St. Peter Catholic Church, Big Pine Key, FL, and a Celebration of Life was held at Vineyard Community Church, Big Pine Key, FL on August 3.
Though Bill spent most of his years in and about NE Ohio, he truly lived in the Florida Keys. It is sad that this chapter ended too soon, but Bill lived life to the fullest, and he died doing what he loved. Ringo Starr said, "I'd like to end up sort of unforgettable" -- Bill certainly was and is.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Bill's name to St Anthony of Padua Building Fund, 316 5th St, Fairport Harbor, OH 44077, St Peter Catholic Church, 31300 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043 or Vineyard Community Church, 100 County Rd, Big Pine Key, FL 33043.