James V. De Simone

Obituary for Rocky De Simone

Rocky De Simone, born in San Francisco, California, in 1949, passed away leaving behind a legacy defined by honor, service, curiosity, and an extraordinary spirit of adventure.

He is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Raymond and Penny De Simone.

Rocky is survived by his devoted wife of 34 years, Lynn De Simone; his sister Susan De Simone (Bryan); his brother Peter De Simone (Cathy); son Anthony Peiffer (Jen); his daughters Angela Lucero (Angel), Christina Lucero (Jarett), and Alexandra Lucero (Jose). He also leaves behind seven cherished grandchildren: Nevaeh, Vivian, Georgia, Aiden, Connor, Ruben, and Alejandro – each a source of joy and pride in his later years.

Services will be held at Rose Lawn Funeral Home in Gulf Breeze, Florida, on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 11 a.m. CST.

A Life of Service and Courage

Rocky graduated from South San Francisco High School in 1967 and soon answered a calling that would define the course of his life. He enlisted in the United States Navy, embarking on a distinguished 25-year military career, during which he rose to become an officer and a respected leader within the Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (E.O.D.) Special Operations Division.

His service carried him across the world to remote and often perilous locations. Throughout his decades in uniform, Rocky repeatedly confronted danger with unwavering resolve, earning the trust of those who served beside him. He held positions as both Commanding and Executive Officer, leading sailors at sea and on shore. His expertise and professionalism brought him into the halls of Congress, where he worked alongside military leaders, government officials, and international dignitaries. He was also assigned to support the United States Secret Service, serving on the protective detail for First Lady Barbara Bush during the George H.W. Bush administration.

Rocky’s valor and dedication were recognized with numerous commendations, including the Navy Commendation Medal (twice awarded), the Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal.

A Passion for the Sea and a Life Beyond Uniform

Following his retirement from the Navy in 1996, Rocky continued his commitment to maritime work as the General Manager of the Pensacola Shipyard, serving for eleven years.

His deep knowledge of maritime operations, paired with his lifelong love of boats, diving, and sailing, made him a respected leader in the civilian maritime community as well.

Rocky later shared his hard-earned expertise with the next generation of service members as an instructor for E.O.D. trainees at Eglin Air Force Base, continuing to shape and guide young warriors preparing for one of the military’s most demanding professions.

A Man of Depth, Humor, and Lasting Influence

Rocky was a man of remarkable presence – capable of immense humility yet equally at home with moments of spirited bravado. He approached life with a blend of wisdom, wit, and warmth. His love for the sea, for classic films and old radio shows, for learning, and for storytelling infused every conversation. His laugh – full, honest, unmistakable – left an imprint on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Those who met him walked away with admiration; those who knew him walked away changed.

Rocky’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched: in his family, who adored him; in his fellow shipmen and women and E.O.D. technicians he trained and led; in the colleagues who respected him; and in the many friends who will remember his sharp mind, generous heart, and enduring spirit.