Florindo Simone Sr.

REXFORD – Florindo Simone, Sr., 95, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, August 23, 2024, with his devoted family at his side, leaving a legacy of love, dedication and craftsmanship.
Florindo was born and raised in Massa, di Faicchio, province of Benevento, Campania, Italy, the son of Anthony and Gelsomina (Frese) Simone. Florindo served in the Italian Army during WWII. After the war, he honed his skill as a master tailor and instructor, a profession that allowed him to express his meticulous attention to detail and his deep appreciation for quality. He married the love of his life, Maria Ragozzino in Italy on June 11, 1953 and together they immigrated to the United States in April 1954, settling in Schenectady. Florindo was a hardworking man and with his perseverance, he strived to achieve the American dream. He dedicated himself to providing for his family and raising his sons with his strong work ethic, respect and his love for his native Italy and Italian heritage.
Florindo was a man who cherished the simple joys of life. He was a passionate gardener, often found nurturing the plants in his garden with the same care and dedication he showed his family. His hands, skilled in so many crafts, also cultivated the earth, producing the vegetables and herbs that would grace the meals he lovingly prepared.
Florindo’s talents extended beyond his profession. He was an avid hunter, a wine maker whose bottles were a testament to his patience and skill, and a cook whose meals brought joy and comfort to all who had the pleasure of sharing his table. He was the heart of his family; caring for his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews with unwavering affection and wisdom. The home he created with his beloved wife, was a place of warmth, where love was felt in every corner, every meal and every moment spent there.
Florindo is survived by his beloved wife, Maria Rosa Ragozzino Simone, whose 71years of marriage is a testament to their devotion, love and compassion for each other; his sons, whose respect for their father was evident not only with words, but through their actions, Anthony M. (Diane) Simone, Florindo A. (Martha) Simone and Michael P. Simone; his grandchildren; who treasured their Paba and the lessons he taught them; Anthony (Kelly) Simone, Jr., Matthew (Julia) Simone, Aaron Simone; Lia (Giacomo) Ellena, Mia (Kennon) Otey, Angelo (Marcy) Simone; and to carry on his legacy, his great-grandchildren, Lorenzo Simone, Penelope Simone, Francesca Simone, Leonardo Otey, Elliana Otey and Giancorrado Ellena; brother-in-law, Pat (Debbie) Ragozzino; many loving nieces and nephews.
Services will be held on Thursday, September 5th at 10 am from the Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home, 501 Union Street, then to St. Anthony’s Church, Seward Place where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am. Interment will follow in St. John the Baptist Cemetery.
Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2 to 6 pm.
A Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 6 pm in Massa di Faicchio, Italy, Chiesa di San Nicola.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Florindo’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at stjude.org
Mass will be streamed live at https://www.youtube.com/@st.anthonyschurch7737 t