Robert Joseph Simpson

SIMPSON - Robert Joseph "Bob", 82, war hero and decorated Korean War veteran, lost his final battle on October 26, 2014, after a brief illness. Bob, known lovingly to close family and friends by the nickname "Big Bob of Bellmore" (along with several variations of it!) was born in Jamaica, NY, on January 16, 1932, to Ruth Margaret Fisher and Joseph Hyde Simpson. He was raised on 222nd St. in Cambria Heights, the middle child in a family of three boys. He attended P.S. 31 and Andrew Jackson High School. At the tender age of 17, with the written permission of his father, he joined the US Army's 24th Infantry Division, 5th Army Regiment. After completing 14 weeks of infantry and advanced training, Bob was deployed to Korea. While on a routine reconnaissance mission in Unchon, Korea on October 31, 1950, he and some fellow soldiers were ambushed by the Chinese, who were allies of North Korea. Bob was shot and wounded seven times, and spent many months recovering in hospitals in Korea, Okinawa, Hawaii, and finally in the St. Albans Naval Hospital in St. Albans, Queens. Only 18 at the time, he spent well over a year in a body cast. Strong willed and resilient, however, in time he bounced back to full form. Appropriately, Bob was awarded the Purple Heart, not just for the heavy price he personally paid, but more importantly, for his indomitable courage and spirit, which was an inspiration to many. He also received the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and a Combat Infantry Badge. Once a civilian again, Bob gained employment as an Operating Engineer with Local 15 in New York City. This role afforded him the extraordinary opportunity to participate in the building of the Verrazano Bridge. Bob met and married the love of his life, the beautiful Mary Helen "Lou" Reichmeider, on Sept. 2, 1956. Between 1959 and 1966, they welcomed four beloved children, including Mary Alice, whom they lost to SIDS at the age of 4 months. The family made their home in Bellmore. Bob was always happiest when he was in the kitchen, preparing meals for friends and family. His love of food eventually led him into the restaurant industry, where he worked at Burt Bacharach's East Norwich Inn and the Fox Hollow Inn. Bob was a passionate and longtime member of the Disabled American Veterans Association, American Legion Post # 1082, and the Purple Heart Society, serving as its Commander for a period of time. Bob is survived by his devoted daughter, Regina (Donald) Vaneck, his loving sons, Robert (Lisa Miller) Simpson, and David (Rosemary Hennessy) Simpson; his eight beloved grandchildren, Ryan and Meghan Vaneck, Tigerlily Simpson, David, Hugh, Rosemary, Patricia and Sarah Simpson; one great grandchild, Aidan Simpson Hertlein; brother, Joel Simpson, St. Johns, Florida. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Mary Lou, February 2005; infant daughter Mary Alice and older brother, David. Robert Joseph Simpson will be laid to rest on October 31st, 2014. Ironically, this date marks the 64th anniversary of his ambush and wounding in Korea. America is truly the land of the free because of the bravery shown by Bob and others like him. Thank you, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Friend. The battle is over, and you did us proud! Religious Service Bellmore Presbyterian Church 10:30 am, Friday, October 31. Interment to follow at National Cemetery, Farming dale, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations appreciated to The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306. Arrangements entrusted to Gallagher Funeral Service.