Mr. Michael Simko, age 95 of Medford MA, died Friday in the Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Medford. He was the beloved husband of the late Dorothy (Turner) Simko. Mr. Simko was born in Struthers, OH, the son of the late John and Mary (Petrus) Simko. He served for over 28 years in the U.S. Navy. Well over a quarter century ago, he set forth on a career with the United States Navy. He first sailed on the West Virginia, which at the time was newest, smartest and most powerful of all battleships in the U.S. Fleet. He later became a sailor on the destroyer Breese, one of the four pipers, laid down in WWI. Then came duty on the Pennsylvania, the U.S. Flagship, a new destroyer the Balch, and served during WWII on the troop carrier LeJeune and aircraft carrier Tarawa. In 1945, he received his commission and was selected for duty at the Naval Supply Corps School in Bayonne. In the late 1940’s he went to sea again on the Shenandoah and later on the Tanner. Upon his return he was requested by his seniors to resume his position in the Naval Supply Corps School for the next two years. He then again went to sea on the Wright. Following a long military career, he retired from military service.
He is survived by three daughters: Marion Mazzeo and her husband Frank of Medford, Suzanne Paterna and her husband Salvatore of FL., Janice Wilkinson and her husband Randy of MD. And a son Michael Simko and his wife Ann of MD. He is the loving grandfather of Doreen Dimino, Linda Boncoure, Karen Stevens, Maria Perry, Andrea Merenda, Nancy Breton Lisa Greenlee, Michells Simko, Christine Brinkley and Paul Wilkerson. He is the loving great grandfather of 14 great grandchildren. Predeceased by a sister Annie Simko.Friends may call Tuesday from 4 thru 8 at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford. His Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis Of Assisi Church, 441 Fellsway West, Medford, Wednesday at 10:00 am. Services will conclude with burial in Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. Contributions in Michael’s name may be sent to the Children's Hospital Boston, One Autumn Street #731, Boston, MA 02215.