Michael Simone

Michael Simone departed this life peacefully, at Honor Health Hospital, on August 29, 2025, after battling illness for many months. For 90 years, he lived his life with respect, strength, and kindness, to others. Born on June 1, 1935, in Abbateggio, Italy, Michael was raised Catholic with a strong faith in God. A hard worker, he helped daily on the small family farm caring for sheep, goats, and pigs. World War II had a huge impact on Michael's childhood. Soccer was played with balls made from rags, while hearing bombs dropping in the distance. It was a dangerous time in Italy.
A life-threatening fall, as a young boy, had a permanent effect on Michael's life. It began his strong relationship with the Virgin Mary, who he always called his Madonna. He told his mother that the Lady caught him and laid him gently down. Saying the Rosary and talking to Mary were part of his life. Through Mary, dad was brought closer to Jesus. He told us that when he prayed and talked to her, Jesus was always there.
Michael left Italy at 17 years old, traveling by boat to Nova Scotia and from there, by train, to Toronto, Canada. There he began his career in construction. He was able to get a US work visa and moved to New York City. There he met Roberta Monturi on a blind date. They married on October 19, 1963. Lisa was born in 1964 and Michele followed in 1966. A proud father and loving husband, Michael was a Lather by trade. His number one priority was working hard and taking care of his family. In 1979, construction was booming in Arizona. Michael relocated his family and left the east coast, moving to Phoenix where they happily resided for many years. In 2007, Michael and Roberta moved to Payson, Arizona. He remained active in retirement- log siding a home with his son-in-law Eddie and building sheds with his pal Robert. Spending time with family and friends was his life and joy. He was always inviting people to visit him in Payson. Michael and Roberta spent many wonderful retirement years there enjoying the beautiful weather and majestic scenery. They were married for 60 years.
Michael is preceded in death by his wife, Roberta. He is survived by his two daughters, Lisa and Michele, his sons-in-law, Robert and Eddie, and a large extended family located throughout the United States, Canada, and Italy- who Michael loved dearly.
Services will be held on September 12 at St. Patrick Catholic Community,
10815 N. 84th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. There will be a Rosary at 10:30am followed by Mass at 11am. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at St. Patrick Fenlon Hospitality Center.
The Rosary and Mass will be live streamed. A link is available on The Messinger Mortuaries Obituary page.