David R. Simoes, 90, passed away peacefully at Rhode Island Hospital on Saturday, December 7, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of the late Josephine "Joyce" (Squatrito) Simoes for 51 years before her passing in May of 2015.
Born in Fall River, MA, he was the son of the late Mary (Raposa) and John Simoes. David was a proud member of the 1953 graduating class of Colt Memorial High School.
David was deeply committed to his community throughout his life. He served on the Bristol Zoning and Planning Boards for many years, including a term as chairman of the Planning Board, and was a current member of the Zoning Board of Review Committee. He was also actively involved in several local organizations, including the Town of Bristol, where he served as Town Sergeant and a member of the 4th of July Committee.
David worked for Almac Supermarkets for 42 years and also had a successful career in real estate, working with Century 21, DeWolfe, and Coldwell Banker in Bristol. Additionally, he managed his own property management business, Simoes Property Management.
For 10 years, David was a snowbird in Florida, where he continued his community involvement by helping out at a local funeral home and assisting with security details at his condo complex.
David was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus for over 60 years. He was actively involved in Bristol Council #379, where he served as Financial Secretary, past Grand Knight, and past District Deputy. He was also a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus with the St. Pius X Assembly of East Providence and contributed to the Rhode Island State Council.
A faithful communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, David was honored to serve as the Chief Marshal for the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Feast with his wife Joyce in 2008. He also served as an Ambassador for Sansone Funeral Home for over two decades, until his passing.
In his free time, David cherished being with his family. One of his favorite pastimes was playing cards, Gumba, and Mexican Train with them. David had a special gift for making his family laugh, especially his grandchildren, who often captured those moments on video. He was an active participant in the Summer Bocci League and a proud member of the "Dunkin Donuts Crew." He also enjoyed spending time by the water at Colt State Park, playing Solitaire with his Dunkin' Donuts, and stopping by the cemetery to visit Joyce on his way home.
David is survived by his daughters, Anne Marie Higgins (Michael) and Patricia A. Pires (David); his grandchildren, Matthew D. Pires, Brendan M. Higgins (Meghan), Brianna M. Long (Kyle), Mitchell R. Higgins, and Ryan D. Pires; his great-grandchildren, Jack and Eloise Higgins; as well as many extended relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his wife, Joyce; their great-grandchild, William Higgins; his parents, John and
Mary Simoes; and his siblings, John Simoes, Joseph Simoes, and his sister Maria Da Luz Simoes.
Visiting hours will be held at Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol, on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, from 4 to 7 PM. His funeral will begin at Sansone Funeral Home on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 9 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 141 State Street, Bristol. David will be laid to rest beside his beloved Joyce at North Burial Ground, Hope Street, Bristol. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name can be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church or School.
Services
Visitation
Wednesday
December 11, 2024
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Sansone Funeral Home
192 Wood Street
Bristol, RI 02809
Funeral services from Thursday
December 12, 2024
9:00 AM
Sansone Funeral Home
192 Wood Street
Bristol, RI 02809
Mass of Christian Burial
Thursday
December 12, 2024
10:00 AM
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church
141 State St.
Bristol, RI 02809
Cemetery
North Burial Ground
1081 Hope Street
Bristol, RI To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of David, please visit our Tree Store.