A Tribute to Bert DeSimone

January 1, 1937 - June 18, 2006

Mike's Eulogy

Thank you all for coming here today to commemorate my dad’s life.

It’s difficult to talk about the loss of my dad, especially since he was not just my father, he was also my mentor, teacher, and best friend. But even though his unexpected loss is hard on all of us, we can take comfort knowing he lived life to the fullest, right up to the very end.

Growing up, I would constantly hear that I look like my mom. While I may have inherited my mother’s looks, she herself would often point out that I inherited my personality traits from Dad – everything from his stubbornness and tenacity to his sense of humor and smarts. When Dad first taught me how to bartend, so I could make a few extra dollars while I was in college, he would introduce me to his friends and say jokingly, "This is my son, Mike. He may look like his mother, but he’s got my brain." To which his friends would reply, "I'm so sorry, Bert."

While going through my parents’ things over the past few days, I found some old pictures of Dad. Photos of him as a young boy, a teenager, a serviceman, a groom, a college grad, and a father. One picture I will always cherish is one taken when I was a newborn; Dad was holding me in his arms and looking down at me. I see this photo as a man thinking about how he’s going to teach his newborn how to be a man, just as he was taught by his own father. Standing before you today, I think I’m a pretty good testament to what a truly great father he was.

My dad believed strongly in the value of a good education. He constantly pushed me to get good grades and did his best to prepare me for college. He wanted to make sure I had a solid educational background so that I could achieve success and make the most of life’s opportunities and experiences. With two degrees and a job that I enjoy, I think Dad helped to provide the foundation that got me to where I am today.

But while he was driven and focused on succeeding in life, he also knew how to have fun. Just one example...while sorting through some of Dad’s military paperwork, I found a letter from the American Embassy at Copenhagen addressed to his Commanding Officer in Germany. It seems that while he was in Copenhagen on leave, he somehow lost his leave authorization and identification card. To this day, I have no idea what Dad was doing in Copenhagen or how he lost his paperwork, but I can imagine that he must have been having a pretty wild time there.

When all is said and done, this is how I want my dad to be remembered: as a man who loved to joke around, have fun, and spend time with his friends and family. These are the important legacies Dad left behind. If he were here now, he would remind us that a few good laughs are a sure cure for the blues, and when you need strength, never forget your family and friends – they’re always there to support you during good times and bad.

I know in my heart that my dad is with my mom now. They’re together again; looking down on us and smiling. I believe they would tell each of us to enjoy every minute of our life here on Earth, and to have a wonderful journey. But remember – that journey does not stop at death. It continues when we arrive in Heaven – another dimension to experience life anew.

Dad, you may have departed this world, but I know that I will see you again. Say "hi" to mom for me, and have a great time looking down on us and watching the legacy you’ve left behind. Until we meet again, you will always remain in my heart and thoughts.

Reprinted from Dad's funeral prayer cards:

When I must leave you for a little while,
please do not grieve and shed wild tears
and hug your sorrow to you through the years,
but start out bravely with a gallant smile.
And for my sake and in my name,
live on and do all things the same.
Feed not your loneliness on empty days,
but fill each hour in useful ways.
Reach out in comfort and in cheer
and I, in turn, will comfort you and hold you near.
And never, never be afraid to die,
for I am waiting for you in the sky.

Obituary:

DESIMONE, of Randolph, June 18th, 2006, Humbert W. "Bert" DeSimone. Husband of the late Frances Rose (DeBeasi) DeSimone. Loving mother of Michael DeSimone and his wife Shay of Riverview, FL. Son of the late Joseph and Nancy DeSimone. Devoted brother of Robert DeSimone of Scituate and Nancy Costello of Waltham. Dear uncle of Tina Dixon, Maureen and Kathryn DeSimone, Lisa Sweet, Donna DeFazio, Joseph DeBeasi, Paul DeBeasi, Barbara Rockwell, Bob Rockwell, Debbie Pugh, Sandra Muise, Karen Hover, Doreen Bell, and the late John Rockwell. Dear friend of Joan DeBeasi of Randolph. Reposing at the Cartwright Funeral Home, 419 No. Main St. (Rte 28), Randolph until 9:15 AM on Friday followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM in St. Bernadette Church, Randolph. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Thursday 4:00 - 8:00 PM. Burial in Blue Hills Cemetery, Braintree. Should friends desire in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in his name to St. Bernadette Church, Building Fund, 1026 No. Main Street, Randolph, MA 02368. Humbert was born in Boston, and died at his home in Randolph, suddenly, June 18th at the age of 69. Humbert graduated from Boston Technical High School and Wentworth Institute of Technology with an Associate Degree in Engineering. He worked for Draper Lab for 20 years as an engineer. Humbert was a US Army veteran who served in Europe and Germany after WWII. Resident of Randolph since 1978, he enjoyed his time with family and friends, dancing, movies, and was an avid bowler for many years.

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