Birth date: May 4, 1946 Death date: Jul 4, 2013
Donald J. “Big D” Simiele, 67, went to be with his Lord and Savior on the 4th of July with his loving wife, Anne, by his side, as well as his six adoring children, grandchildren, and extended family members. Don was a valiant figh Read Obituary
I will always remember Don as a great
personal friend. I worked with him for
over 5 years and shared lunch break with
him every day. He was a wonderful
Christian Man who loved his family and
The Lord. His family has the comfort of
now knowing that he will live eternal
and that their parting is for a short time
as we look forward to the Return of our
Savior Jesus Christ. God comfort his
wonderful wife and family in this difficult
time.
A friend
John Galey
To the Simiele family,
I just wanted to say what an honor it was to know Big D. From the moment I arrived in Syracuse 2 years ago, he and Anne both welcomed me with arms wide open. I was so nervous about feeling like I belong but as soon as I spent a few minutes with Anne and Big D, the nervousness subsided. Big D was a true example of a Christian and welcomed anyone with open arms, even me, a nervous, scared college graduate trying to figure out where she belonged. I also remember the nervousness of having to have knee surgery (and at 23 that was not a surgery I wanted to have) but Big D and Anne were right there to support me in prayer when I found out that the surgery was the only option. They were also there to remind me that I was in their prayers during my recovery even when I felt alone. Thank you Big D and Anne. Love you both and am extremely grateful to have you as a part of my life.
~Dana
I am very grateful for knowing Don and working for him many years ago at the Solvay Ray Bills office. Don was a great family man, had a great and warm heart and was a very good teacher. I am better for knowing him. Most importantly, Don loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all his heart, and that made him an additional blessing to all those who came in contact with him.
I know he will be missed by many people whose lives he touched. And I know his family while grieved can take solace that Don is with Jesus at this moment. And as the word says, "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord."
May his family be blessed and also take comfort in the fact that Don has a legacy for Christ that has more value then gold.
Bill Burniski, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
[email protected]
I am so grateful to be a granddaughter of Papa Simiele. Like many of us heard yesterday my grandpa was a man who put God first in everything! But even in his suffering I witnessed first hand papa giving thanks from his hospital bed during prayer and in the midst of pain. Truly truly an amazing moment for me to see. That in all things papa always, ALWAYS gave thanks. And he never ever forgot to give God ALL the glory! Papa loved so many things in life but he made sure we always knew.... IT WAS ALL BECAUSE WE HAVE JESUS! So I am grateful that he is apart of my family and that he taught me.... Even in the sad times to give thanks! Love you papa and I will see you again!
I can not thank everyone enough for all the outpouring of love on my family over the last several weeks. The many gifts of food, paper products, love, text messages, FB posts, prayers and attending my Dads Celebration of Life service. To my co workers/all my SPD family...THANK YOU. My family is forever changed not only in the loss of my Dad but by all of you and your love for all of us. These past weeks I have had the honor of caring for my father, my Daddy and I wouldn't change a thing. My siblings, mom, our spouses and I had many moments of bonding while we bathed my dad, worshiped in his presence, prayed for him, read scripture to him, kissed him, whispered in his ear and made him comfortable...again..forever changed. My father loved His Savior Jesus Christ and lived a life for Him and for that we are a blessed beyond measure family. We all have relationships with one another, love one another and respect one another as a result of my parents shining example. During my fathers illness and pain he never complained and continued to seek God through it all. He was so strong for so long. I miss him terribly. My heart aches yet I have peace and as my dad would always say "everything we have we owe unto you Lord". Thanking God for all the time I had with my amazing father, my daddy, a true man of God, family and unconditional love.
Aunt Anne & Simiele Cousins, What a beautiful tribute you planned to a man who truly embodied all that was good! Loving his Italian heritage, his family, and friends is the foundation that I believe all the Simiele children got from Grandma Nancy and I am sure from our Grandfather C. Frank Simiele. They have all taught us to be self-less and to watch every word we say. I have a very special memory of Uncle Donny back in the late 80's or early 90's when I worked at the American Cancer Society. I was preparing for a fund raiser "Casino Night" and telling my Dad all about it. I mentioned that we needed dealers for the night to work our black jack tables and my father, without even a breath, said "Your Uncle Donny and i will do it". I am sure he just told Uncle Donny to be there and never asked him if he wanted to. I sat at Uncle Donny's table before the attendees came in and he said to me "Annette, you are a Simiele, you can be a good Simiele and sit on 17 or be a bad Simiele and take a hit." I think of him each and every time I play a game of cards! He had a beautiful smile to match a beautiful heart and will be missed as the last of a great era! Rest in peace Uncle!
Big D,
I can't believe that you're gone. I never got to tell you how much I love you. Thank you for being such a wonderful person. I will always cherish the good times we spent together, from late-night Monopoly, to basketball in the driveway and the rides home you gave me when needed. I'm so lucky to have known you. You always made me laugh and I will never forget you.
To the entire Simiele family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Big D was special and I will always admire his character and the example he set. He was blessed with an outstanding wife and family. Your house was like a second home for me. Thank you for everything. I love and appreciate all of you.
~Pete Zalla
In Honor and Celebration to "Big D".
I did not know you personally ,but know your beautiful daughter Nancy and her husband David. I attended your service yesterday "Bid D" ,In an attempt to pray and support your family. I came away Knowing an "Original Masterpiece "that God had created, who everyone Loved ,Admired and Apprectiated, I left feeling, I know You very well through the" eyes "of your Children, Grandchildren, Family and Friends . The loving testimonies of a Man "living in God" were everything from heartfelt moments to hilarious laughter, They did you proud "Bid D". I too learned to Love you, my spirit is fill with Joy, and I can almost hear you laughing at some of the things they hold in there hearts. Willie was phenomenal singing "He Holds the Keys" Could feel your presence and Hope you really enjoyed as much a I did, Truly a Magnificent Memorial Celebration of your life , the kind of which I have never seen in all my years.
In Christian Love , which binds our hearts together in Christ, Jesus,and till we truly meet
Love Sandee Persechino,( Lauren's grammy) <")))>< <3
