John F. Simitz

John & Frank are up there together enjoying the breakfast John wanted to go out for; I think it´s probably the best breakfast ever for both of them.

Eileen and Julianne, I offer my sincere condolences. I knew John from The Morning Call (and occasionally would see him at King Kone). He was kind and a true professional, bringing his keen eye to every photo he took. He was a pleasure to work with.

Dear Eileen & Julianne, My deepest sympathy on your loss of John. I was blessed to work with him for 25 years at The A.D. Times and call him a friend for 31 years. John's humor and kindness made those long drives to assignments in "the coal region" fly by, and were even more enjoyable when Eileen joined us. The assignment that touched me most was our post-911 trip to FDNY Engine 6 with Notre Dame High School in June 2002. It was an emotional day, but one that also had some lighthearted moments, like when John and I missed the bus home. During a bit of free time we stopped by South Street Seaport, arriving back at the Notre Dame bus five minutes late, only to watch it driving down the street in the distance like in a situation comedy. But John stayed calm, laughed and said if they didn't come back for us (they did after realizing we were missing) we'll just get a bus at Port Authority and have someone pick us up in Easton. A real pro in his work and a wonderful person, John was a gem who will be truly missed. With love and prayers, Tami Quigley

I´m so sorry for your loss Eileen. John will always be with you in spirit and a part of him will be here with me in the wonderful wedding album he put the for me.

John,
Thank You for Your service to our country.

God Bless You!
God be with your family!

Sincerely,
A Grateful American

What a beautiful tribute, John was a great man and wonderful neighbor. He will be missed. Rest easy John.

I had the pleasure of assigning John in The Morning Call's Lehighton office -- and pleasure is the correct word. He was unflappably calm and nice and a delight to work with, but also a consummate pro: He accepted every assignment gracefully, and you knew John would bring back great work. This obituary captures him perfectly. He will be very missed.

My condolences to John's family. In '77, John and I spent three wild days covering the Johnstown flood. We'd walk the flood zone by day and at night John would develop film and print photos in a motel bathroom/darkroom alongside other AP photographers, then transmit his best shots back to The Morning Call for the morning editions. He was a consummate pro.

Dear Eileen and Julieanne, John and I sat next to each other for many years at work. He left me in stitches with laughter more times than I can remember, and he taught me so much about newspaper work, getting it done day after day. What a great coworker, friend and teacher who I will never forget. His jokes were terrific and frequent, and he made coming to work fun. Oh, how I will miss him, too. My very best wishes, Donna

Dear Eileen and Julianne,
A beautiful tribute to a terrific man, friend, photographer. I worked with him for many years at The Call-Chronicle and he was always eager to help, soft-spoken and kind-hearted. His legacy, thankfully, will live on with all the people, places and moments he captured so artfully. Never knew he was an Eagle scout! RIP John Simitz.
Heartfelt sympathies,
Ann Wlazelek

John I worked with you for 28 years. You became a dear friend. I will miss your wonderful smiles and Happiness. Rest well my friend

An officer and gentleman has passed away today. John, you are now relieved from your watch. A job well done fellow navy veteran. America thanks you for your service to our country in the defense of freedom. The final volley has sounded and taps is about to sound ending a successful career as a nation´s defender. Smooth sailing shipmate.

John was a pleasure to work with he was talented and kind. I recall a particular assignment when I worked with him in a darkened one- room schoolhouse and wondered how he made such wonderful photographs in such dim light. May he rest peacefully.

John was my first cousin once removed--my mother's cousin. I often greeted him at diocesan events and now and again appeared in one of his shots. He always inquired about the extended family and his kindness was evident. Sincere condolences to those whom he loved. Rev. Thomas Kuller, S.J.

RIP John

Pennsylvania Farm Show

From Deacon Gene Wyrwa's retirement mass and celebration at Holy Trinity