Leo N. Simard, 90, of Worcester died Friday, December 4th at home surrounded by his loving family. He leaves his wife of 44 years, Ferne (Reid) Simard; his children, Jeffrey Capparella and Sherry Hannan (David) all of Worcester; and grandsons Robert J. Clark and Nicholas Capparella. He was predeceased by his daughter, Carolyn White; a brother, Rene Simard, his sister Leda Cofelice and a granddaughter, Crystal Clark. He also leaves his beloved dog Zippy and cat Alice.
He was born in Marlborough the son of Leo N. Simard, Sr. and Ora (Gravel) Simard. Leo was a veteran of the United States Army serving as a paratrooper with the 82nd Air Borne during the Korean War. He worked for the Worcester County Power and Light Company, Webster Square Station as an installer for several years. Leo also worked at the Smithsonian as a painter and as a pallbearer for O’Connor Brothers Funeral Home.
Leo was an avid golfer having had 3 Holes-in-One with his last one at the age of 88. He was a member of Hillcrest CC in Leicester and part of “The Growlers” golf group for many years and most often was able to “shoot his age”. In his younger years, he played AAA Baseball as a starting pitcher and traveled all over the country. While in the Army he played football and was named “Golden Toe”. Leo was a former coach for Senior Babe Ruth in Marlborough and Hudson, where he trained some future big names. In addition to his family and his athletic achievements he was a Friend of Bill W’s for 45 years and helped many people during his time in recovery. Leo’s famous saying was “it isn’t WHO’S right, it’s WHAT’S right” and he lived by those words. Anyone who knew Leo didn’t just like him, they loved him!
His family wishes to thank the Jewish Healthcare Center for their in-home hospice care and a special thank you to “Dennis” his hospice nurse.
Calling hours are Saturday, December 12th from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue followed by a service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Independence Hall, 59 South Street, Shrewsbury MA 01545