Carlo Simoni

Carlo Simoni Carlo Simoni, 86, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2013, in Visalia with his children and grandchildren by his side. Our dad was born June 4, 1926 to Arduino and Maria Simoni in Half Moon Bay, Ca. He was the third born, of six children in his family. His childhood years were spent in Eureka, Ca. He graduated from Eureka High School. He served in the U.S. Army (1945-1947) attaining the rank of Technical Sergeant. He was a part of the first occupation troops in Japan at the end of WWII. He was awarded an Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon-Victory Medal, and a Japanese Occupation Medal WD. After the war, he attended Santa Rosa Junior College. While attending Santa Rosa J.C. he played football on the 1949 Nor Cal Northern Division Championship team. In 1999, the team was inducted into the Santa Rosa J.C. Hall of Fame. He then attended University of the Pacific and graduated in 1952. While attending Santa Rosa Junior College, he met the love of his life, Anneta. They were married in 1950. During their 23 year marriage, they were blessed with five children. Together, they built a loving, family foundation, which Carlo continued to build upon after Anneta's death in 1973. Carlo began his professional career, as a fertilizer salesman, with Best Fertilizer and later, with Occidental Chemical. He was the top salesman for many years. During his career, he forged relationships with many loyal customers, who became lifelong friends. Those relationships have spanned two generations, sons and grandsons now working together. Any person that spent any time with Carlo knew how much he enjoyed good food and good company and maybe a little "vino". Meals were definitely high on his priority list, actually his entertainment. Sitting and visiting after the meal was according to Carlo, "the best part of the meal." He also enjoyed gardening. In 1973, his home and garden received the Visalia City Beautification Grand Award. He was happy to share the fruits of his labor, hosting many fundraisers in his beautiful yard. Carlo also appreciated the beauty of flowers, trees, and natural wonders, as true gifts from God. One of his other favorite pastimes was attending local sporting events, especially those involving his children and grandchildren. Traveling in the U.S. and abroad was also something he enjoyed. Carlo was a longtime member of the Sons Italy Enrico Caruso Lodge, Knights of Columbus, and the Elks. He was a parishioner of Saint Mary's Catholic Church for over 58 years. Carlo was preceded in death by his wife, Anneta Simoni, his brother Gino Simoni, and granddaughter Julie Jones. Carlo is survived by his brother Danny Simoni, Sister's Dorothy Muecci, Delores Bucko and Jeannie Hedley. Carlo is also survived by his children, Chris and his wife Alicia, their children: Eric, Letitia, and Tina. Cindy and her husband Larry Jones, their children: Brian, Kevin, and Lisa. Vic and his wife Sue, their children: Kelly, Scott, Gino, Ryan and Brett. Dino and his wife Patti, their children: Dino Jr. and Nicole. David and his wife Colleen, and their children: Robert and Nicholas. In addition, he is survived by eight great-grandchildren. The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to the staff at Quail Park and Delta Nursing for their thoughtful, compassionate care of our dad. They are perfect examples of angels on earth. Our dad lived a life that was a testament of his commitment to family. We are eternally grateful for his love and sacrifice. Rest in peace Dad, Gramps. We love you! Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. Saturday, March 30, 2013 at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel. Rosary starting at 6 p.m. Funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Monday, April 1, 2013 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Visalia. Burial will be held at Visalia District Cemetery following the mass on Monday April 1st. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Charles Catholic Church in Visalia. Dementia Society 5500 Olive Dr, Bakersfield CA, 93308, and the Parkinson's disease clinic 5533 W. Hillsdale Ave, Ste B Visalia CA, 93291. Condolences may be e-mailed to info@salseranddillard.com