Obituary of Tony Simiele

Tony Anthony Simiele, 65, of Perkins Street, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning at St. Mary?s Hospital. Born in Cerepiccola, Provincia di Campobasso, Italy on February 8, 1941, he was the son of the late Francesco and Carmela Simiele, and was educated there before coming to Amsterdam on Sept. 5, 1958. Tony worked for a time for the New York State Thruway Authority, and in 1960 began his long career with the Roman Catholic Diocese as sexton and caretaker of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church and later its cemetery. Following the merger of several parishes, Tony then also had charge of St. Michael?s and St. Joseph?s Cemeteries. For the past ten years, he worked in the same capacity for St. Stephen?s parish in Hagaman until he retired this past April. He was very conscientious in his duties and took pride in the appearances of the grounds. Tony was an avid member of the Columbian Social Club, the St. Agnello Club and the Port Jackson Bocce Club. He was recognized by the New York State Historical Society for his beautiful basket weaving. Several articles were published about this on his behalf. Tony also enjoyed hunting and skiing, traveling to Italy to visit family and friends and was an accomplished maker of wine, which he lovingly shared with all. He was a communicant of St. Stephen?s Roman Catholic Church and a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. On August 22, 1971 he was united in marriage to the former Mary P. Guiliani. In addition to his beloved wife, he leaves his son Anthony A.J. Simiele and his fiancé, Nicole Kimmey, of Waterford, whom Tony looked forward to joining the family; his sisters, Victoria Mario DiScenza of Amsterdam, Maria Ceasare Usset of Acqui Terme, Italy and Donatella Giusseppe Perelli of Bonassola, Italy, as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. Services are Monday at 9:00 am at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at St. Stephen?s Church with Fr. Ronald Matulewicz, celebrant. Interment is in St. Michael?s Cemetery. Calling hours are Sunday from 3-7 pm at the funeral home. Contributions may be made to St. Stephen?s Church or GAVAC, both in care of the funeral home.