Joseph Simone

Joseph (Giuseppe) Simone, age 102, formally of Lima, Ohio, was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 19th, 2025 at Middleton Senior Living, Granville, Ohio with his granddaughter by his side. He was born on January 10th, 1923 in Fragneto Monforte, Italy to the late Siverio and Maria Iacobelli Simone. He had 3 brothers (Tony, Angelo and Carmelo) and 1 sister, Mariangela, that all preceded him in death. On July 9th, 1949 he married Amelita Taviano Caruso at St. Rose Catholic Church, who preceded him in death on September 1st, 1997.

Joseph was born into a family of bricklayers. When he was 8 years old tough times forced him to drop out of school and start working. He finished the 5th grade and started work by mixing the mud, lime and sand to make mortar. When Joseph was 14 years old, his catholic parish sent him to Seminary in Trieste, a harbor city at the Yugoslavia border. While in Trieste he picked up enough German and other languages to carry on a conversation. The cash strapped seminary closed and Joseph joined the Italian army as a paratrooper at 18 years old. In 1943 while still in the Italian military he defected to the American side during WWII and became a member of the Thunderbird division. While engaged in battle, he was wounded by shrapnel. He was captured by German soldiers and entered into a German POW camp until liberated by the Russians in January of 1945. A great birthday gift! Although he could speak seven languages, English was not his best, he thought he had been discharged when given a temporary furlough. Within a few weeks he was arrested for AWOL. He was unable to prove his military service because his dog tags were confiscated by the Germans. His fellow serviceman testified to his loyal service.
The immigration department gave him a chance to earn citizenship, otherwise, the countries strict immigration proceedings he could be expelled. He returned to active duty as a corporal in Army Intelligence until discharge in May of 1948.

Joseph is survived by daughter, Anita (Rose) Simone. He is also survived by many, many nephews, nieces, cousins, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his children; Patsy (Morgan) Davies, Maria (Joseph D) Croft, and an infant son, Joseph John Simone.

He worked as a bricklayer and retired from Local #35-OH. He could point out many buildings in the four-county area that he worked on and tell his work on each one. He was a master gardener and an excellent cook, making meals for his family from his garden. He looked forward to his weekly Sunday dinners with the family and a nice glass of Carlo Rossi sweet red wine. He had a knack of striking up a conversation with a complete stranger. He always said "Work hard to make a better life for yourself and your family. And to thank God for every day!"

His family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday, July 25th, 2025 at Hanneman-Siferd Funeral Home 506 N. Cable Road. Lima, Ohio 45805. A funeral service will follow at the same location. Burial will follow with a graveside service at Gethsemani Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to St. John's Catholic Church. Lima, Ohio.

Hanneman Funeral Homes is honored to serve Joseph's family and encourage those to share a fond memory or condolence by visiting www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com.