Richard Simone

Richard “Dick” Vito Simone Sr., 88, formerly of Camillus, passed away Friday, June 21, 2013 at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Born and raised on the north side of Syracuse, Dick lived in Camillus for more than 50 years. A graduate of North High School and Syracuse University, he was an Army veteran of WW II. After an illustrious 40-plus years with Bresee Chevrolet, he was consistently recognized and awarded locally, regionally and nationally by a legion of leaders receiving annual awards. Dick was a former member of the Knights of Columbus and Holy Family Church where he also served as lector. He embraced his extended membership at Tuscarora Golf Club, holding many positions inclusive of both president of general membership and his treasured O.R.B.S. Along with his beloved wife, Eileen, Dick’s passion in life was the legacy he leaves behind, instilling his family values in his children. He was involved in many community activities, Soap Box Derby, Camillus Youth Hockey Assn., to name a few, along with being an avid SU sports fan. Dick was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, the former Eileen Graser, in 2011; parents, Benjamin and Angeline Simone; brother, Redento Simone; and granddaughter, Amanda Rose Evans. Surviving are his daughters, Susan (Frank) Klimcsak of Somerset, NJ, Mary (Daniel) Mathewson of Syracuse, Patricia (Marcel) Franquelin of Monmouth Junction, NJ, and Barbara (Mark) Evans of Flemington, NJ; sons, Richard Jr. (Patricia) of Clay, Benjamin (Mary Hayes) of Liverpool, Thomas (Karen) of Syracuse and John (Micky) of East Syracuse; 18 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Helen Gray of Norristown, PA; brother-in-law, Theodore (Mary) Graser of Plattsburgh; and several nieces and nephews. Dick’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Staff at Camillus Ridge and Park Terrace at Radisson, as well as all the care givers at the VA Medical Center. Relatives and friends may call Monday, June 24 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, June 25 at 10 a.m. in Holy Family Church. Dick will be laid to rest in Assumption Cemetery, Syracuse. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 E. Ohio St., Suite 304, Chicago, IL 60642-2742.