Alec DeSimone
May 2, 1922 ~ October 16, 2023
Alessio “Alec” DeSimone of Danvers passed away on October 16, 2023 at the age of 101. He was the son of Italian immigrants, Tomaso and Angelina (D’Elia) DeSimone. Alec was predeceased by his beloved wife of almost 60 years, Martha (Catalogna). Father to Thomas and his wife, Midge, of Swampscott, the late Alec J. of San Francisco, Cathy and her husband, Thomas McMullen, of Florida, Stephen and his wife, Becky, of Montana, Robert and his wife, Denise, of Florida, David and his wife, Lisa, of Danvers, and Peter, of Middleton. He was predeceased by his siblings, Anthony, Henry, Gilda DiOrio, and Edwin, and his in-laws Vincent Catalogna, Adelaide Van Hoorde, Teresa Bosco, and Julio Moretti. He was the grandfather of Jonathan, Kristen, Edward, Jennifer, Nicole, Roger, Abigail, Alec, Nicholas, Nikki and Michael, and the great grandfather of Brendan, Christian, Portia, Walter, Madisyn, Wade, Skylar, Josephine, Molly, Lucas, Allie, Annabelle, and Logan. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, and their families.
As many of his generation he was a proud veteran of World War II and served as a flight navigator in the Army Air Corps completing his training at various bases around the country. He worked in the automobile business for over 60 years at Pontiac Village in Boston and Smyly Buick in Malden. Alec and Martha were also seasonal residents of the Slope ‘n Shore community in New London, NH for over 35 years where they made wonderful friendships and enjoyed many great times. Back in Danvers, Alec and Martha were initial and long-time members of the Couples Club of St. Mary’s parish in Danvers, and it was there that they became friends with more than 20 couples with whom they had cherished relationships for over 70 years. As time passed, those folks who remained would have a weekly lunch or dinner, looking out for each other, and exchanging the latest happenings in the huge extended families that have remained connected to this day. Alec’s special friend these last 7 years, Theresa Bellevue, was part of this group. Each of them lost their first beloved spouse, and found in each other the love, compassion and respect that truly enhanced their lives and those of their respective families. The other surviving member of this couple’s group, Kay White, is a special lady now charged with keeping our fond memories of all of them alive.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thurs., Oct. 26, 2023 at 10 AM in St. Mary of the Annunciation Church, Conant St., Danvers. Burial to follow in Annunciation Cemetery, Danvers. Visiting hours are Wednesday from 4-7 PM at C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., DANVERS, MA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alec and Martha DeSimone Scholarship Fund c/o St. John's Preparatory School, 72 Spring St., Danvers MA, 01923. For directions & to place condolences, please visit www.LyonsFuneral.com
I always enjoyed his company on Christmas Eve, telling of times gone past and bringing his homemade egg nog. My dad was fortunate to travel to Italy with Alec and he was excited to eat a little bit more chocolate since Martha remained State side. My sincere condolences and love to all the DeSimones. Alec is at peace enjoying a libation with his wife, son, brothers and sister. Love to all – Tom D.
What a wonderful person! Sharp to the very end. It is a privilege to have known him. Our community has lost a great friend. Our best wishes and condolences to his family.
George and Kris Jamieson
My deepest condolences to Tom, Midge, and the rest of Alec’s extended family and friends. We should all be lucky enough to go out on our own terms after such a long, productive, and well-lived life. May he rest in peace. – Jill Crouch
My condolences to the entire DeSimone family. What a kind and considerate man Alec was. One thing I always appreciated about about Mr DeSimone was that fact that we knew he was always there but he gave the neighborhood parents distance so we could navigate our ways through parenthood. Rest in peace sir.
I will always remember the wonderful dance I had with Alec. He was an amazing person. Jeff and I are so very sorry for your loss. He will always be remembered.
I remember Alec as he would come to the 4:00 p.m. Mass on Saturdays, sometimes with his son Tom, but several times driving on his own. He was always so pleasant and had a wonderful smile. I knew his wife Martha for many years also, just such a wonderful couple. May they now be re-united with each other again.
Rest in peace Alec!
Lou & Linda Perrino
Winny C. purchased a sympathy card for the family of Alec DeSimone.
frank noe lit a candle in memory of Alec DeSimone
frank noe sent a virtual gift in memory of Alec DeSimone
My sincere sympathy to the DeSimone family. I knew Alec as a Eucharistic Minister at St Mary’s, and I knew the family from our family’s newspaper business. I am sorry I could not attend the wake or funeral, but you are all in my prayers. Celebrate the happy memories!
Maryann (Caruso) Kowalski