Obituary of Edward J. Simek

Mr. Edward J. Simek, Jr, 83, of Johnstown, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 11, 2016 at Mountain Valley Hospice. Born on August 6, 1932 in Sammonsville; a son of the late Edward Sr. and Antonia Polacek Simek. He was a graduate of the 1950 class of Johnstown High School. Mr. Simek was a proud Veteran of the United States Air Force, serving his country from 1951 until 1955. He was an avid athlete in his earlier years, especially basketball; in the early 1960's, Edward was the assistant basketball coach for CYO. He loved his animals, especially his black lab, Smoke, and his pit-bull, Dieghtric. Edward was previously employed by the former Jules T Garfall Leather Jacket Company for 10 years, he then was employed by Knox Gelatin Company for 10 years; finally he retired as a leather worker from Independent Leather in Gloversville. His most important job was being a loving father, grandfather and friend; he will be sadly missed by all who knew him. On August 8, 1962 he married Frances Kucera, it was a union that lasted 21 years until her passing on May 18, 1984 Survivors include his loving family, sons, Ronald Simek of Rock City Falls and Timothy Simek of Johnstown; sisters, Marguerite Henry and the late Leroy Henry of Johnstown, Bernadine Cincotta and the late Joseph Cincotta of Massachusetts, Anna Kollar and the late Gabriel Kollar of Johnstown, Mary Fiorito and the late Peter Fiorito of Johnstown; grandson, Anthony Burd; serveral nieces, nephews and cousins. Edward was predeceased by his sister, Velma Simek; brothers, Stephen Simek and his late wife, Jane, Anton Simek, John Simek and his late wife, Ann. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at The Church of the Holy Spirit, 149 S. Main Street, Gloversville. Burial will follow in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Gloversville, with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, donations in Edward's name can be made to the James Brennan Humane Society, 437 Nine Mile Tree Road, Gloversville, New York, 12078. Online condolences can be made at www.brbsfuneral.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville, New York, 12078