Richard "Dick" Simone

Richard “Dick” Simone, 89, of Shrewsbury, MA, died peacefully on September 26, 2023, with his family by his side.

Dick was born in Worcester, MA, the son of Anthony and Santa (DeCaro) Simone, and lived most of his life in Shrewsbury, MA.

He is already missed by his son, Steven (Dana) of Westport, MA; daughters, Sandra Pedersen (Roger) and Jane Nolle (Kerry Legor) of Shrewsbury; seven grandchildren, Steven, Domenic, Jack; Sara, Katherine, Joseph; and Anthony; and six great- grandchildren. He is reunited with his wife, Virginia; son, Don; parents; and brothers, Charles and Don.

Dick graduated from Major Howard W. Beal Memorial High School and joined the US Marine Corps, serving four years in California. Upon his return, he worked for a few years at the Worcester Telegram & Gazette. For the next several decades he owned and operated cafes/bars in downtown Worcester, including Dick’s Den and Sim’s Cafe. His final business venture was Simone Liquors, a store he managed with his son, Steven, for 13 years.  

Dick was an avid weightlifter and crowned “Mr. Worcester” early in his iron-pumping career. He was a steadfast Yankees fan who nonetheless never missed a Red Sox game. For many years he was an active member of both the Elks Lodge and Brown Square Civic in Worcester. Post retirement, he was a staple at White City, Shrewsbury – coffee at Panera, workouts at Planet Fitness, and bantering breakfasts with his IHOP circle of friends. These places won’t be the same without him.

Calling hours for Dick will be held on Monday, October 2, 4pm-7pm at Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St, Worcester; his funeral will be on Tues, October 3, 10am at St. Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Turnpike Rd, Shrewsbury.  Burial with Marine Corps honors, will follow in St John’s Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Shriners Children’s Boston, an organization Dick passionately supported.  Link for online version: Donate to Shriners Hospitals for Children® (lovetotherescue.org)