Photo courtesy of Rigby Harting and Hagan Funeral Home - Media
Media, Pennsylvania
Aug 25, 1925 – Apr 23, 2021 (Age 95)
Joseph Stephen Simboli, Jr. passed away at age 95 on April 23 in West Chester, PA. He is survived by his five children, Timothy, Brian, Andrew, Leslie, and Sara and three grandchildren, Daniel, Ethan, and Shane. His beloved wife of 60 years, Geraldine Simboli, predeceased him.
“Joe,” as he was known, grew up in Drexel Hill. At age 17, he enlisted and served in World War 2. He served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 89th Division, Patton’s Third Army. and saw considerable action, including the historic Rhine and Moselle River crossings. His unit liberated the first Nazi concentration camp in Ohrdruf, Germany, April 4, 1945. In 2005, he and a fellow squad member attended the Survivors of the Holocaust and American G.I.’s memorial on the Battleship New Jersey in Camden, NJ.
Joe met Gerry on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum School of Art, now University of the Arts, where he graduated and also taught. After working in Philadelphia as a graphic designer, he and Gerry established Simboli Design, a studio on their property in Cheyney, PA.
Joe and Gerry had a long and diverse career in commercial art, creating posters, illustrations, and product designs. Their Zodiac series was licensed to the fashion designer Paul Smith for a line of clothing and accessories sold by Neiman Marcus. A series of their children’s toys was exhibited at the New York Toy Fair in 2008. The U.S. National Commission for UNESCO awarded Joe’s War and Peace poster first place for an international poster contest.
Woodworking and sculpture were passions of Joe’s. With Geraldine, he created fine art pieces that have been showcased in art shows and galleries throughout the world, not the least of which was their monstrance, "The Mother of the Holy Eucharist.”
Joe was also a competitive runner and raced sports cars.
Everyone who interacted with Joe was touched by his warmth and exuberant spirit, a commitment to his values and the causes that represented them, and his dedication to his family. A great raconteur, his sense of humor was infectious. He left us with a treasure of memories as a loving father and husband, an example of grace and grit, a life lived fully, and a deep and abiding faith. His involvement in the pro-life movement was an extension of his gratitude for human life.
The viewing and funeral will be held on Wednesday, April 28, at Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church, 8 Cavanaugh Court, West Chester, PA, where Joseph and his wife were parishioners. Viewing is 10:00 to 11:00, followed by Mass 11:00-12:00. Joseph will then be laid to rest at Saint Thomas the Apostle Church, 430 Valleybrook Road, Glen Mills, PA.
Donations may be made to Rachel’s Vineyard via their website at www.rachelsvineyard.org.
Arrangements provided by Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home 15 E. 4th St. Media, PA 19063
My husband Richard Hill was the family plumber for many many years. I remember stories that he would recount of working on Joe’s vintage well pump. We retired 10 years ago and Rich died last year but the Simboli family is one I remember with much fondness. May God comfort you at this time.
Fondly, Carol Hill
Carol Hill
June 03, 2021 | Media, PA | Friend
Joe and Gerry took me into their home after my son, who turns 30 this August, was born. I met them at Mothers’ Home back in 1991. We became fast friends and their love for Jesus shined through every encounter of support they extended me and my newborn son. God allowed our paths to cross and in so doing, I experienced His love in action on this earth. Rest In Peace my beloved friend Joe Simboli and thank you. Janet Lupo Brooks and Family. ❤
Janet Brooks
May 20, 2021 | Southampton, PA
After reading the obit he lived a very full life. I'm glad that I got to meet him though it was very brief.
John Tannock
May 05, 2021 | North East
I feel honored to have known Joe Simboli as he was one of the finest men I ever knew. I am also very grateful to have had him in my life as he enriched it greatly. He always made me feel special and loved. I send my love and sympathy to the Simboli family and all those who loved Joe Simboli.
Camille Opferman
April 27, 2021 | Coatesville, PA | Friend
Loving Light Dishgarden
San Francisco
April 26, 2021
Joe's passing last week is at one time a mournful event and joyous blessing for him to have completed his life's work and enriched the lives of so many . Gerry is receiving him gratefully and to those Simboli's who are lucky
enough to have had him all these years...I know how much you all treasure your good fortune of being one of "Joe and Gerry's kids!" I have always believed an old adage that proclaims "We die once when the last breath leaves our bodies. We die a second time when...
JOAN DEHM
April 26, 2021 | THORNBURY/GLEN MILLS, PA | Friend
At a wedding, Mr & Mrs Simboli presented a handmade wooden top to my then-6 yr old son. It was such a kind gift to a child they were just meeting.
Susan Opferman
April 26, 2021 | Pittsburgh, PA | Family
