Paul Dennis Simone, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on January 12, 2026. Born on August 7, 1943, at Mahopac Hospital in Lake Mahopac, New York, Paul lived a life marked by service, dedication, and love for family.

Early Life
Paul was the son of Helen Saveria DiNinno Simone and Vincenzo Anthony ''Jimmy'' Simone and grew up alongside his brother, Vincent Orazio Simone. He attended Mahopac Central School from kindergarten through twelfth grade, graduating in June 1961. During his school years, Paul was active in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, played Little League baseball, helping his team win the 1955 area championship, and excelled in athletics. He lettered in football, wrestling (serving as team captain), track, and baseball, and participated in ice hockey and speed skating, competing in the N.Y. Daily News Silver Skates at Madison Square Garden.

Military Service
In August 1961, Paul enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, completing boot camp at Parris Island. He earned the Rifle Expert Medal, the Outstanding Man Award, and a meritorious promotion. Paul served as a Security Guard at the U.S. Navy Base and Allied Forces Southern Europe Headquarters in Naples, Italy, and later joined the Fleet Marine Force, 2nd Marine Division at Camp LeJeune. His duties included participating in ceremonies for distinguished leaders, including Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, President Antonio Segni of Italy, and Marine Corps Commandant General David M. Shoup, a Medal of Honor recipient. Paul was honorably discharged in August 1964.

Education and Career
After his military service, Paul attended Westchester Community College, where he was active in wrestling, student government, intramurals, and several clubs. He earned an Associate of Arts degree before continuing his education at the University of Corpus Christi, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Education. Paul taught junior high at West Oso ISD and coached football and basketball. He later pursued various business ventures, particularly in home building and remodeling. During a downturn in construction, Paul worked for Shelton Ranch Corp., owned by Robert R. Shelton, heir to King Ranch, for over a decade. He later served as Ranch Manager and Property Manager for HMB Partners, overseeing development projects and serving on the architectural committee. Paul eventually returned to education as a substitute teacher and interventionist, impacting countless students' lives.

Passions and Community Involvement
Paul's greatest joy was gathering his family for dinner, especially when serving his homemade lasagna from a cherished family recipe. He loved hunting, shooting, and sailing. Paul cherished traveling with his wife Chris, especially to Europe, the beach, and skiing in the mountains of New Mexico and Colorado. He competed in senior games in track and swimming, earning several medals. A gift from his wife Chris sparked a decade-long journey in martial arts, culminating in a first-degree black belt in Tukong Moosul. He also enjoyed country western dancing at venues like Crider's, Inn of the Hills, and Gruene Hall.

Paul was deeply involved in his community. He was a founding member of the Hill Country Wrestling Club, helping bring club wrestling to the region. He also served as a founding member of the West Kerr County Chamber of Commerce. At St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Paul was a dedicated member, serving on the vestry as junior warden and participating in Cursillo teams and youth leadership alongside Chris.

Paul was a frequent volunteer at the National Museum for the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas, where he was passionate about educating the public on World War II history. One of his favorite aspects of volunteering at the museum was participating in the live reenactments where he would frequently lead a squad of Marines through treacherous trenches amidst heavy gun fire from the opposing Japanese forces (using blank rounds, of course). It was here that he found a community of friends who shared the same passions and interests he had in educating, remembering, and honoring all those who bravely gave their lives for our freedoms.

Paul began taking guitar lessons with Kevin McCormick at Mirabilis Studios six years ago following retirement. He looked forward to his weekly lessons, arriving with a smile on his face and an eagerness to learn. He enjoyed the Italian love songs of his heritage and old-time country melodies.

Family and Legacy
Paul was preceded in death by his parents and brother. He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 40 years, Chris; his children Jason and Lisa Johnson and their son Jake; Camillia Consuelo Simone; Paul Jr. and Martha Simone and their sons Barrett and Nate; and Katie and Matt Maupin.

Paul spent a lifetime doing the things that he loved with the people that he loved. He will be remembered for his unwavering love for family, his sense of humor, his adventurous spirit, and his commitment to country, service and community.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM, Monday, January 19, 2026, at Grimes Funeral Chapels.

Services for Paul Dennis Simone, 82, of Fredericksburg, who passed away Monday, January 12, 2026, at his residence, will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at St. Peter's Episcopal Church.

Graveside services will be held privately.

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