Joe A. Simpson

1941 - 2023

Joe A. Simpson, AIA, of Burr Ridge, born July 9, 1941, in Kansas City, Kansas, son of Floy and Joe C. Simpson. Passed away on March 18, 2023, with his son Joe M. and wife Beverly by his side at Northwestern Hospital after a yearlong battle with thyroid cancer. The many Skyscrapers he built were in full view from his hospital bed window. He had an incredible desire to build the best buildings possible with his love and passion for the great city of Chicago. He built a successful career as Project Manager on: The Cook County's Jail, RUSH University Hospital, The Fairmont Hotel, The Hyatt Hotel on Wabash, The Boulevard Towers and Presidential Towers. The market was changing so he needed to pursue other avenues. He was offered a newly created position with an assignment something he had never accomplished before; it was to refurbish The Custom House the offices of Eliot Ness and the Untouchables shortly before 911. He enjoyed this challenge immensely. Many of his fascinations were with the planets, galaxies, the universe, always wanting to get closer and to even look deeper inside the center of the earth. He and another inquisitee friend took classes at the Adler Planetarian building their own telescopes. Joe's telescope is so big and heavy he must use a tripod to place it on in order to view his world. Joe enjoyed paddling down the Kankakee River, Fox River, area creeks and waterways. He built a strip canoe for his own enjoyment. He had great satisfaction of creating a strip canoe from scrap pallets from old, finished job sites. In his limited free time, he enjoyed golfing with his buddies and participating in shooting range tournaments. The top of his list was riding his Harley 883 Sporter on winding wilderness roads. In his early years Joe flew Cessna's out of Butler International Midway Airport for pure enjoyment with the excitement of being up in the air with the clouds in full control of the throttle of the plane. Beverly, a registered medical assistant, was working at a medical office where FAA physicals for pilots were performed. This is where they met. The requirement of pilots was a physical twice a year. Bev would see Joe twice a year never failing. They were married on October 17, 1970. A visitation will be held on Friday, May 19, 2023, from 2-7pm at Adolf Funeral Home, 7000 S. Madison St. Willowbrook, IL 60527. Family and friends will meet on Saturday May 20, 2023 for a 10am funeral mass at St. Isaac Jogues Church, 4th and Clay St Hinsdale, IL 60521. Arrangements by Brian Powell Funeral Directors of Hinsdale. For more information 630-325-2300, www.adolfservices.com or www.powellfuneraldirectors.com.