It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Joseph Simcik, 77, who passed away on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024. He was the former husband of the late Barbara Mary Mansolf, for 25 years.

John was born on January 16, 1947 in New Britain, CT and was the son of the late John Stanley Simcik. and Mary A. Kowalczyk. He attended tech school until 10th grade, and worked as a carpenter building houses. John was drafted in 1966 into the US Army, where he was a cook and then served as a Military Policeman. John was discharged as a Spc. E-4 and was a Berlin police officer in training briefly. He joined the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Local 43 in 1977 and worked mostly for R.K. Constructors Inc. as a Foreman and Project Superintendent. He also was an excellent millwork installer and was a master carpenter.  He enjoyed working with his son Adam for 10 years as a union carpenter.  John was injured and retired early form the UBC local 24, now 326.

John was a longtime Berlin and Southington resident and avid sportsman. He hunted on the old farm in Kensington with his grandfather, and his entire life with his son Adam, many nice whitetail bucks were taken.  John enjoyed saltwater fishing in shore with his wife and 2 children for some years with his 16 foot boat.  He was a brief member of Hamden Fish and Game Protection Association Inc. and lifelong member of Bristol Fish and Game, where he took his wife and children every weekend fishing in the pond and then in late years shooting with his son and daughter-in-law to be, these were his favorite pastimes. John was a family man, who may have never said it much, if at all, but loved his kids and wife, and his mother; sisters; and brothers.

He enjoyed many picnics' out on the farm with his brother Paul and the family. He spent a lot of time with Paul, whom he considered his best friend.  John's legacy lives on through his son Adam C. Simcik and his wife to be Melissa Lapent; son Craig B. Simcik and his wife Erin; and his grandchildren Alexander, and Ella. He is also survived by sister Marsha Tallard and brother-in-law Robert; sister Gail M. Embacher and brother-in-law William; their son William and his wife Heather Embacher and their daughter, Audrey; and his nephew Brian and his wife Jaime Embacher, whom he loved very much. John was predeceased by his brothers Paul and Philip.

The graveside funeral service with military honors will be held on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 1pm.  Everyone is asked to meet directly at the Connecticut State Veterans' Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane Middletown, Ct. 06457.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Meriden Memorial Funeral Home, 450 Broad St., Meriden, CT. 06450.