His name was John Simoncic. But almost nobody called him that - when he was a kid they called him Sonny - after that - he was Simo. And he was good at life. The kind of guy who lived so fully, so authentically, that people gave him nicknames - and they stuck. And so did he. Always. He was the guy who showed up. For his family. For his friends. For work. For the moments that mattered most. And the moments that seemed not to matter at all - but did. He lived a big, simple, beautiful life. Humble and strong. Always in motion. Because he understood what was important - and didn't really give a damn about what wasn't.

Simo was born August 17, 1939. Son of John and Reggie. Brother to Bernice and Tom. A native born Detroiter, he carried his grit with grace, found bliss in simplicity, and never took any of it too seriously.  Simo is a proud graduate of Cody High where he met the love of his life - a young woman named Lorraine. She was a bookworm. He wasn't. She didn't go out much. He did. They were opposites. They attracted. And it was the beginning of a beautiful love story that lasted over 60 years. They never stopped holding hands. He never stopped trying to make her blush. She never stopped blushing.

After high school Simo joined the marines, served his country with pride, and built a career in the skilled trades at General Motors. He also became a committee man and fought the good fight representing union workers and their families - fighting for their rights, their safety, fair pay and a seat at the table.

And he didn't just build a career. He and Lorraine built a family - with their daughters Sherry and Cindy, and his son, Steve. As his family grew - Simo became the ring leader of driving-distance-family-adventures. He and Lorraine would pack a car and a cooler and point their wagon in any direction. Lakes, zoos… hotels with pools — nothing extravagant, just joyful little journeys that became the times of their lives. Simo never forgot what it's like to see the joy in life. And that is one of the greatest gifts he gave to his family and his friends - his greatest legacy.

Simo's family grew with the addition of his daughter-in-law Karen, and his grandchildren, Gracie and Johnny. His happiest moments were spent picking strawberries with Gracie or goofing with his best buddy, Johnny. He had inside jokes. Running gags. Little clandestine traditions with each of them that made them feel seen and special every time they were together.

Simo lived a great life. A life of simple truths and simple pleasures. Family. Friends. A good meal. A good ballgame. A good laugh. A good polka.

He will be missed. There is no replacing Simo. They don't make 'em like that anymore.

But his joy of life lives on in all of us. And that is a blessing. You did good Simo. We love you.

Visitation Sunday 2 pm - 8 pm with a 7 pm Rosary at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home. In state Monday 10:30 am until the 11 am Funeral Mass at St. Sabina Catholic Church.