Joseph Simas Jr.

Joseph Simas Jr., age 81, of New Bedford passed away at St. Luke’s Hospital on January 6, 2016. He was the widower of Carol A Simas, and the son of the late Joseph A. Simas and the late Mary (Pimental) Simas. Born in New Bedford, Mr. Simas was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church and a lifelong resident of the city. Joe was a graduate of New Bedford High School. He was a veteran of the US Army and the US Air Force Reserves serving during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was employed by the federal government as a computer systems analyst and retired from the Naval Undersea Systems Center in Newport, Rhode Island after 34 years of service. In his youth he was active in CYO and area basketball, baseball, and softball leagues, once scoring 50 points in a basketball game. His favorite baseball player was Ted Williams. A lifetime member of the Panther’s Athletic Club he coached his son for the Panther’s Little League Baseball team. Mr. Simas enjoyed camping and family vacations to Disney World and Hawaii. He enjoyed spending time with friends at Joe and Perky’s service station. His favorite times were spent with his family and grandchildren whom he adored. He especially enjoyed being with his grandchildren and was very proud of them. He was known as “Papa” to his grandchildren.He is survived by three children; Cathy A. LaCroix and her husband James of Acushnet, Steven J. Simas and his wife Meredith of Lakeville and his daughter Jill M. Simas of New Bedford; three grandchildren Heather M. LaCroix of Swampscott, Branden J. Simas and Brittney D. Simas of Lakeville. He was also the grandfather of the late Grace Elizabeth LaCroix. Relatives and friends are invited to his funeral Mass on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 9:30 am in St. Mary’s Church, 343 Tarkiln Hill Road, New Bedford.Burial Services are private.

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