“BRUNSWICK – Joseph T. Simard, 92, of Brunswick passed away peacefully on June 25, 2005 in the comfort of his home after a long and eventful life.

Joseph T. Simard, ADC, USN, VP-21 57-60. Born in Manchester, N.H. to a family of 12 children in 1913, he was the son of Henry L. and Anna M. Danielson Simard. His family settled in the Lynn, MA, area. Joe began a career in the Navy in 1934 as a young man, and his assignments over the years took him all over the world. His journey provided him with an education learned through living, and although he did not have the luxury of formal education Joe was fluent in three languages, and stressed the value of education to his family.

He was witness and participant to the evolution of the flying Navy. Joe retired from active duty in 1961 at Brunswick Naval Air Station as Chief Petty Officer who had a distinguished record with both the patrol squadrons and the shore patrol.

After his Navy retirement, Joe managed the Officer’s Club at BNAS, managed the stock and warehouse at the WT Grant’s at Cook’s Corner, and eventually turned his long-time coin collecting hobby into his retirement business, the Coin and Stamp Corner in the old Grand City store.

Joe was a long time resident of Brunswick after orders assigning him to BNAS brought him to the area in the early 1950’s. He married Viola L. Smith who predeceased him in 1983. Together they raised a family that included 9 children, and today the Simard name is well recognized in the Mid-Coast region as a result of the growing family tree.

Joe was a devout Catholic and an active member of St. John’s Church. Many of his children and some of his grandchildren attended St. John’s School. Joe was an engaging man who enjoyed bowling in leagues and with his family well into his eighties. Family bowling is a tradition with the Simard family still today. He also enjoyed teaching what he knew about his hobbies and interests to his children and grandchildren. Perhaps his greatest passion was for hunting and fishing and the camaraderie that developed with his hunting camp and fishing trip buddies. He began heading off to the north Maine woods for fall and spring sojourns while horses were still used to hauling wood and the roads were few and far between. He was well known in the Alagash watershed and was a friend to many of the woodcutters there. Joe was fond of leisure travel as well and in his recent past was accompanied by his companion Germaine on excursions to Europe and across the USA.

Surviving are siblings, Norman Simard of Florida, Lorenzo Simard of Lynn, MA, Robert Simard of Florida, Cecille Branscom of Lynn, MA, and Wilfred Simard of Lynn, MA.

Surviving children include, Geraldine Shastid of Amarillo, TX, Joseph T. Simard, Jr. and his wife, Robin of Charlottesville, VA, Norman C. Simard of Indianapolis, IN., Roland F. Simard and his wife, Deborah of Bath, Richard R. Simard and his wife, Holly of Freeport, Gregory J. Simard and his wife, Brigitte of Brunswick, Suzanne E. Poliquin of Manchester, NH.

Deceased children are Mary M. Strahl who died in 1987 and Robert E. Simard who died in 1973, a brother and five sisters. He is also survived by his fiancé, Germaine Bois of Brunswick, many, many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Friends may visit from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M., Thursday, June 30, 2005 at Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal Street, Brunswick, Maine. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 A.M., Friday, July 1, 2005 at St. John the Baptist Church, 39 Pleasant Street, Brunswick with the Rev. Michael McGarrigle officiating. Interment with military honors will be held at St. John’s Cemetery, Brunswick.

In Joe’s memory memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Baptist Church, 39 Pleasant Street, Brunswick, Maine 04011.”