Norman C. Simo

WORCESTER - Norman C. Simo, 95, formerly of Shrewsbury, passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, after several years of declining health. Norman was born on January 28, 1929 in Permet, Albania to Koci Gus and Hariklia (Adams) Simo. His wife, Gloria "Glozie" (Treska) Simo passed away on February 14, 2022.

Norman graduated from Commerce High School in1949 and shortly thereafter due to the outbreak of the Korean War he joined the U.S Army. As a result of the occupation, he spent 17 months in Germany receiving the U.S. Occupation Medal. Upon returning home, he joined the choir at St. Mary's Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church where he caught the eye of a young maiden, Gloria and she him, and that began the romance that led to their marriage in 1954.

Norman joined the ranks of Table Talk Pastry Company also known as Table Talk Pies where he became a shipping supervisor. While working there for 17 years, Norman continued his education earning a Bachelor's degree in 1967. Soon thereafter, he became a Guidance Counselor at Burncoat Junior High School; all the while pursuing his Master's Degree, also at Assumption College. Known and admired by students and their families, Norman soon earned the title of "Mr. Burncoat!" With a Master's degree in hand, Norman was immediately assigned to a similar position at Burncoat Senior High School where he served as a senior Guidance Counselor until his retirement.

Norman's love and devotion for his Church, St. Marry's Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church and its heritage thererin had no limits. Norman sang in the choir for many years, taught Sunday School, and became a chantor. So dedicated was he that Metropolitian Theodosios, spiritual leader of the Albanian Archdiocese of America elevated Norman to the position of Tonchured Reader.

In 1981, the City of Worcester had no grave sites remaining for purchase in Hope Cemetery, wherein most of the Eastern Orthodox Community of Central Massachusetts interred their departed loved ones. Norman immediately solicited Phil Haddad and together they negotiated with the City of Worcester to purchase a section in Hope Cemetery specifically for the Eastern Orthodox Community. On behalf of the Council of Eastern Orthodox Churches of Central Massachusetts, Norman and Phil purchased, designed, and contracted for the development of Section 98, which ultimately expanded into 2,000+ graves. Through their efforts, on a Saturday and Sunday, they sold more than 215 graves enabling the Council of Eastern Orthodox Churches to repay Hope Cemetery and the City of Worcester for the cost of the purchase of the land.

Norman was a member and founder of the Board of Directors of the Eastern Orthodox Management Corporation (EOMC); the entity that oversaw the creation and development of what is now Holy Trinity Eastern Orthodox Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Barber Avenue in Worcester.

Due to his unwavering commitment to the aforementioned achievements and Norman's love for his faith, he was awarded the Knight's of St. George Medal by the Albanian Archdiocese of America- the highest honor a lay person can receive.

He leaves 2 daughters, Denise A. Latino of Auburn, who was his care giver for many years, and Barbara J. Pate and her husband, Alan of Fairhope, AL; 2 grandsons, Andrew P. and Paul M. Latino, and a granddaughter, Hannah J. Krueger and her husband, Nick of South Carolina, and a great grandson, Keller Krueger; a brother, Stephen Simo and his wife, Mary Janet of Whitman, a sister-in-law, Angelina Treska of Worcester and several nieces and nephews. A brother, Charles and a sister, Jeannette, predeceased him.

Family and friends are invited to meet with Norman's family from 09:30 - 11:00 AM on Monday, June 10, 2024 in St. Mary's Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury Street, Worcester. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM with the Rev. Fr. Mark Doku officiating. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery, Worcester.

If you wish to remember Norman, donations may be made in his name to St. Mary's Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury Street, Worcester 01609, Holy Trinity Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 300 Barber Avenue, Worcester 01606, or Life Care of Auburn, 14 Masonic Circle, Auburn, MA 01501

To share a memory or to offer a condolence, please visit the "Tribute Wall" on this page.

Arrangements are under the care of Philip G. Haddad, Jr., Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St. Holden.

MAY HIS MEMORY BE ETERNAL!