Frank J. Simaga

FRANK J. SIMAGA WHITING, IN

Frank J. Simaga, 98 of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 24, 2016 at his residence. He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Grace (nee Mazanek); loving father of Charlene (Joseph, Jr.) Curosh of Whiting and Janeace (Robert) Slifka of West Hartford, CT; cherished grandfather of Scott (Noelle) Slifka, Jonathan (Andrea) Slifka, Joseph (Dawn) Curosh, III, David Curosh and Lauren Curosh; adoring great grandpa of Betsy Slifka, Joey Curosh, IV and Chloe Curosh; dearest brother of Mary (late Bill) Kerekes and the late Julia Sencaj, Matthew (Mary) Simaga, Charles (Margaret) Simaga and Barbara Mosca; dear brother-in-law of Ronald Mosca and Patricia (late Joseph) Mazanek; proud uncle of many nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at 10:00a.m. at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting; a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting, with the Rev. Stanley J. Dominik, officiating; interment, Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville; visitation at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00p.m. Frank Simaga was born on October 22, 1917 in Whiting, Indiana to Frank and Sophie Simaga. He was a lifelong resident and was a graduate of Whiting High School, Class of 1935. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting. Frank was a very active member of the former SS. Peter & Paul Church, Whiting, where he sang in the church choir and was chairman of the annual church picnic/lamb roast for 17 years. As a young man, Frank was renowned for his ballroom dancing and was a proud member of the greatest generation. Frank enlisted in the US Army at the start of World War II, served in the African and European Theatres and was part of General Patton's troops helping liberate the death camps, a searing experience he never forgot. He was a member of the American Legion, Whiting Post 80 (memorial service, Tuesday at 7:00pm). Frank's proudest achievement was his family, especially his grandchildren, whom he delighted in, especially when "Papa" led them on one of his famous trips to Disneyworld. His greatest gift he said was the good fortune to have been able to participate in the childhood of each of his grandchildren, who were just far enough apart in age that each were able to experience their own special time with their "Papa". He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Pope John XXIII Council 1696 (prayers Tuesday at 6:00pm) where he participated with the "Knight Sounds". He was a retiree of the the Amoco Oil (BP) Whiting Refinery with a service of 38 years. Frank will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Hospital for Special Care (HSC) Research/Mentor Fund, 2150 Corbin Ave., New Britain, CT 06053, would be appreciated. www.baranfh.com (219)659-4400