Alec DeSimone, 101

Alessio "Alec" DeSimone of Danvers, Massachusetts, passed away on Oct. 16, 2023, at the age of 101. He was the son of Italian immigrants, Tomaso and Angelina (D’Elia) DeSimone.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of almost 60 years, Martha (Catalogna).

He was 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 also preceded in death by his siblings, Anthony, Henry, Gilda DiOrio, and Edwin; 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; 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, New Hampshire, 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 at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26, at St. Mary of the Annunciation Church, Conant St., Danvers, Massachusetts, with a burial to follow at the Annunciation Cemetery, Danvers. Visiting hours are from 4 - 7 p.m. on Wednesday, at C.R. Lyons and Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers, Massachusetts.

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, Massachusetts 01923. For directions and to place condolences, please visit www.LyonsFuneral.com.