John Joseph Simonetti
October 2, 1959 to May 11, 2018
Our beloved John Joseph Simonetti, age 58, passed away on Friday, May 11th, 2018, after a courageous 2-1/2 month battle against liver cancer. He was surrounded by loving family and friends at the Mission Hospice House in San Mateo, CA. Born October 2nd, 1959 at Mount Zion Hospital San Francisco, California, he was a longtime resident of Burlingame, California, also residing for many years in San Francisco’s Haight Street District and Germany.
He was preceded in death by his loving mother, June De Santi Simonetti, who passed away on December 24th, 2009 and is survived by his father, Carlo Alberto Simonetti, his cherished wife Catherine Simonetti, his adored children, daughter Chiara Elizabeth and son Giancarlo David, his loving sister Carla (Simonetti) Halligan, brother in law, Joe Halligan, nephew, Zach and niece Kara. A loving god father to Zach Halligan, Carson Condon, Kimberly Simonetti Hawkins, and Erica Simonetti, he will be sorely missed. Numerous Zie, Zii and Cugini, along with a large circle of extended friends and family mourn the passing of this kind soul.
John attended St. Catherine’s Elementary School, eventually graduating from Burlingame High School in 1977. A lover of creativity, John pursued his passion for the arts by taking courses in photography, which culminated in the conception of his photography studio, Simages.
As a consummate traveler, John reveled in using his photography skills to document his grand adventures to all four corners of the globe. An avid cyclist, with a love for winding treks, John spent many Sundays riding the hills of Northern California with his father, uncles and best friends.
John held a myriad of occupations, which ran the gamut from bike messenger (in both San Francisco and Germany) English teacher (while residing in Germany) fashion photographer, and high-rise window washer (which he enjoyed doing with his father) to tele communications Czar.
Some of John’s many loves were Reggae music, fine wine, watching his children play sports, Sunday excursions to the Farmer’s Market, all manner of delicious food, and camping out with Giancarlo’s Cub Scout Pack.
There will be a visitation for family and friends at Crosby and Gray Funeral Home in Burlingame on Thursday, May 17, 2018, from 5:30-7:30 P.M., followed by a Vigil Service at 7:30 P.M.
A Celebration of Life Mass will also be held on Friday, May 18th at 10:00 A.M., at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Burlingame, CA, followed by interment at The Italian Cemetery in Colma, CA. The celebration will culminate with a Reception for Friends and Family at Mercy Center 2300 Adeline Dr., Burlingame, CA, 94010
In lieu of flowers please send donations to Mission Home Hospice, 1670 S. Amphlett Blvd, # 300 San Mateo, CA 94402