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BORN
1944
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
John DeSimone Obituary
John DeSimone, of West Hartford, CT, passed away peacefully on January 12th, 2018, at age 73. He was born in Hartford on October 10th 1944, to John and Rosa DeSimone. He was the beloved husband of Suzanna. The longtime owner of Modern Tire of West Hartford and a pillar of the community, John was the fifth child of Italian immigrants. After graduating from Hartford High School, he attended Point Park College in Pittsburg, PA. Soon after, John came back to the Hartford area where he would settle down, begin a career and start a family. A self-made, hardworking man, John always had a love for cars. He started working as an auto mechanic and eventually purchased Modern Tire in 1981. John was a humble, kind and generous man, a devoted husband, father and grandfather as well as a dedicated parishioner of St. Peter Claver Church. He was a board member of the Bridge Family Center, a long time member of both West Hartford Rotary and Unico National in Wethersfield. In addition to his adoring wife Suzanna, who he would have celebrated 50 years with this May, John is survived by his three children, Denise DeSimone of Avon, Jonathan DeSimone and his wife Rebecca of Princeton, NJ and Brendon DeSimone and his partner Richard Flood of Greenwich, CT. He is also survived by his two cherished grandchildren Emily and Ryan. He is predeceased by his siblings, Liberata Grippo, Rocco DeSimone, Christina DiLoreto and Anthony DeSimone. He will be missed by all. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, at 10:30 am at the Church of Saint Peter Claver 47 Pleasant St. West Hartford. Burial will be private. Calling hours will be held on Monday, January 15, 2018, from 4-8 p.m. at the Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home 136 South Main St., West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bridge Family Center, 1022 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT 06107. For online condolences, please visit http://www.taylorandmodeenconnecticut.com
Memories and Condolences
for John DeSimone
Sponsored by the family.
29 Entries
Cindy Tahil
January 8, 2021
John took this amazing pic of my son, Spencer & me at one of the WHTV Holiday Parties going way back! Spencer is now 23 yrs old!❤❤
Michele Merin
October 12, 2020
I just learned of Johnny’s passing , he was a dear friend of my dad David’s who passed 12 years ago . One of my finest memories of Johnny was his telling me my dad taught him to put it in his pocket ! It will always put a smile on my face . I hope the memories have comforted you all ,
Love , Michele Merin
Carlo Giraulo
October 8, 2019
I moved away from West Hartford 30 years ago but when I would come back to see my brother I would stop in to John at the shop. I first met John when we were in Rotary together when I owned the Carvel in town. I just thought about him and looked up Modern Tire. Seeing it was under new ownership I looked up john's name. I was sad to see he had passed. He was a great man, always joking and welcoming. My condolences to the family...Carlo Giraulo
Giovanni Seccareccia
February 5, 2018
I have known John since I was 18 years old and he put tires on my car. His shop was on Farmington Avenue right around the corner from Raymond Road. I have been a customer of his for 43 years. I always enjoyed going into the shop and sharing our "Italian" stories with each other. John will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family as well as his associates and employees at Modern Tire.
Janessa Corso
January 31, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. My father worked for him and I adored John! He always made my sister and I laugh! He was a wonderful person to be around. Full of life. Please let the memories help you through these hard times.
Dave Marsden
January 25, 2018
I knew John when we were all kids and he was at Pat's Tire. I followed his growth in business when he took over the present shop from Bennett on Raymond Rd and then Guthries Mobil next door. I used to stop in when I was on duty in W.Htfd and asked him when he was going to buy the rest of Raymond Rd. He always had a joke or story to tell and was lots of fun. My thoughts and prayers are with his family for their loss of this wonderful man.
Jim Vineburgh
January 19, 2018
John was,plain and simply, a great guy. For all the years we lived in West Hartford, Modern Tire and its Mobil pumps was our go to place. The problem was that if John was there, we never left in less than half an hour. I used to kid him that he watered his gas to make more money and his retort was always only for you. After we moved to Boston, he watched over my mother until she passed away
at 92. A great friend and, even though I had not seen him
in some years, a man I will always remember fondly- with a smile on my face.
January 19, 2018
It was quite a shock to both of us to hear of John's passing. He was loved by so many. JOHN always had a smile on his face and always made us laugh. He will be sorely missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Suzanne and the rest of his family.
G-d bless.
ARLEEN and PETER WALLACK
DELRAY BEACH, FL
Sharon Lea Sperling
January 17, 2018
My sincere condolences to his family. Johnny was a friend and an adopted family member to me. He was one of the sweetest, funniest, and kindness people in the world. His passing is heartbreaking. He was a one in a million human being. He often made me laugh.
I shall miss his Facebook posts, jokes, and use of Italian and Yiddish! May he Rest In Peace.
Ting Luo
January 17, 2018
Thank you for all kind words and encouragements dear John! Rest In Peace! We will miss you ! Hello
Glenn Catania
January 16, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss - I knew John going back to the Pat Tire & Muffler Shop Days. Although we lost touch over the past several years, our friendship will exist forever.. RIP, John.. You were one of the best!
Eugene Caruso
January 16, 2018
My Deepest sympathy to you and your family
Gene Caruso
Carroll Knapp
January 16, 2018
To John's Family,
My deepest sympathy goes to John's family at this difficult time. John and I were friends and competitors in the automotive repair business in West Hartford for years. I'm sure he will be missed by many in the West Hartford community.
Carroll Knapp
Paul & Josephine Carlisle
January 16, 2018
My heart is aching as I write this for we lost truly one amazing man. He was loved by anyone whom had the honor to know him even in passing by John had a way of making everyone feel comfortable laugh and just feel good. Paulli and I will never forget all the good times and Paully especially will cherish all the talks and memories he has with John working for him for 10 years although a long while ago now that part of his heart will always belong to you...you were more then a boss but a friend, like a father. You were The Godfather of West Hartford and will forever be missed. My deepest condolences go to the Desimone family....he is an angel now looking over all his loved ones. With love Always Josie Paully Gianna and Yolanda (Nanny)
Susan Adams
January 16, 2018
To The Family & Friends Of John, We are deeply saddened to see of his passing. Everyone has said the same kind, loving words that expressed what a great person he was. We did business throughout the years...but every time we talked with him it was like it was just yesterday and he always put a smile on our face. God Bless Him...Another Angel Went To Heaven..Rest In Peace & May Peace Be With You All!!! Sincerely State Awning Co.,Inc
Linda Clark Tedeschi
January 15, 2018
Words can't begin to explain the sorrow we all feel for your loss. John was person of truth and humor. He always made me laugh when we talked about Wethersfield. Wishing your memories will soon make you laugh too.RIP
Mort Roberts
January 15, 2018
i was so saddened by his passing. John and I worked together at WEXT in West Hartford, Ct . I will always remember his great smile, and his wit. He was a real person who you could trust. John will always be remembered, and never forgotten. My condolences to his family.
Dan Rosenfeld
January 15, 2018
John's passing is truly a loss for his family and the entire community. He was a man who had endless humor and generosity. I am so sorry for our collective loss. His memory will endure for generations as they simply don't make them like John anymore. My heart is heavy for you and the memories will always make me smile.
Tamika Mann
January 15, 2018
To the family-
Calling John for payroll every Monday morning was the highlight of my week. He was so funny always leaving me with a story and a joke.
He will be missed terribly.
May the Lord bring you comfort in this tough time.
John Nowacki
January 15, 2018
To John's Family: I am SO sorry to hear of his passing! It was always such a pleasure to see him whenever I brought my car into Modern Tire for service. He even gave me a ride home once when I had no other way to get there. A huge presence, and always a big smile on his face - he will be sorely missed!
Peter Trudeau
January 15, 2018
My deepest condolence to the family.
I'm sure 'Johnny D' is putting smiles on the faces with his friends and family in Heaven, as he did here on earth.
A man of integrity, fair and honest business man who always extended time to hear a business proposal -'sales pitch'.
He will surely be missed in the community He loved.
God Bless
'NAPA PETE"
Rocky Hill
Linda French
January 14, 2018
To all of John's family,
We were friends, customers committee members and Rotarians together. John was always quick to step up to help or offer support, when needed.
We send our deepest sympathy at the loss of a really wonderful man,
Bill and Linda French
Beth Goodfriend
January 14, 2018
My heart is broken along with so many others. To know Johnny was to adore him. He will be so missed. He was the most genuine, sincere, compassionate, generous, lovable, FUNNY, and truly gentle man - always there for anyone and everyone.
My arms are wrapped around you Suzanna, Denise, and my Grippo family, with my deepest thoughts and sadness. You all know how much you mean to me.
Kathleen Sousa
January 14, 2018
To John's famiy, I am sad as I read of John's passing. He was a great guy with a wonderful sense of humor. May the memories you have of John bring you comfort.
Cindy Tahil
January 14, 2018
I cannot imagine West Hartford without John as the unofficial Mayor!! Over the many years i have known John, he has affectionately called me Taco Bell'.
From this day forward, I know there will not be an instance when i dont laugh every time i hear the words Taco Bell' !! My most heartfelt condolences to his family and close knit group of wackadoodle' friends as he called us all!!
John Maloney
January 14, 2018
Johnny D, the angels are planning a warm welcome for you, just as you did, for everyone
who met you on this earth.
Beth Goodfriend
January 14, 2018
My heart is broken along with so many others. To know Johnny was to adore him. He will be so terribly missed. He was the most genuine, sincere, compassionate, generous, lovable, FUNNY, and truly gentle man - always there for anyone and everyone.
My arms are wrapped around you Suzanna, Denise, and my Grippo family, with my deepest thoughts and sadness. You all know how much you mean to me.
Denis Harrington
January 14, 2018
Sincerest condolences to the DeSimone family and friends.
BILL ALBRECHT
January 14, 2018
Words hardly can express our sadness in the passing of an HPHS classmate, a fraternity brother, and a friend. Our deepest sympathy to Sue, the children, and grandchildren in your loss. Have faith that he will be watching over the family from his place in heaven. The memories that he created in life will be ever more precious and will grow in time. Trust in the Lord John is with his Savior for certain.
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Mass of Christian Burial
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