BANGOR – Joseph R. Simko, 79, died Friday, April 8, 2011, at the Maine Veterans Home. He was born Dec. 24, 1931, in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., the son of Andrew and Mary (Ridilla) Simko.
Joseph grew up in Laflin, Pa., and was a 1949 graduate of West Pittston High School. He retired from the U.S. Air Force after 26 years. He served in Europe and Africa, and the Vietnam War. Joseph also worked as a salesman at Manhattan Trophies, Bangor, and as a custodian for the Brewer School Department. He enjoyed many hobbies, including hunting, fishing and repair work of all types. He will be remembered as a friendly gentleman with a heart of gold.
Joseph is survived by his sons, Robert Simko and his wife, Bonnie, and their two sons, Jesse and Josiah, of Orrington; and Andy Simko and his companion, Lisa McGuire, and their two boys, Alec and Adam, of Levant; daughter, Cindy Mathies of Stockton Springs; sisters, Andrea and Jeannie; and special friend, Della Fahey. In addition to his parents, Joseph was predeceased by his wife of 38 years, Rosa (Mathies) Simko. Joseph’s family expresses heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Maine Veterans Home for all their wonderful care and family support.
Services will be private. Those wishing to remember Joseph in a special way may make gifts in his name to Maine Veterans Home, 44 Hogan Road, Bangor. A private service of Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. Condolences to the family may be expressed at
www.BrookingsSmith.com.