STEPHEN E. SIMAS

SIMAS, Stephen E., 60, of Litchfield Park, AZ, formerly of West Warwick, RI, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday, March 15, 2018.

He was the husband of 26 years to Kelli (Cournoyer) Simas. He is survived by his children—Nicholas, Mary, Sam, and Danielle—his childrens’ partners, and many adorable grandchildren.

Born in West Warwick, he was a son of the late Ernest R. and Evelyn M. (Ray) Simas. He is survived by his sister Cathy and her family.

Many people know Steve as part of the mother, father, and sister team, which, for many years, owned and managed Evelyn’s Villa in West Warwick. After the family sold the business, he ran Sophia’s Tuscan Grille, in Warwick, with his business partner Chris Palios. Those who had the privilege of knowing Steve will remember his light-heartedness and his talent in dubbing those for whom he cared with nonsensical nicknames; they will remember his colorful expressions, his hopefulness, and, of course, his mustache.

When he was a young man, Steve worked on oil rigs in New Mexico, and also served as a surgical technician in the Air Force. It was in those situations, perhaps, that he learned his gentle way of caring for things and for people. After this, he earned his Associates degree in business, and when he was not running a restaurant, he liked to spend his time golfing, visiting his children, or routing for his grandson Keagan at his football games. He enjoyed motorcycles. Once, he and Kelli drove to New Hampshire to buy a used chopper—something sensible with a seat on the back to take his kids on rides through rural streets. Steve rode that bike three hours back to Rhode Island, and when he finally stepped off of it, his legs were so sore that he limped for days. All of his children and his friends benefitted from his laughter and his ability to make others laugh.

When you miss him, look for him in his childrens’ love of ice-cream sandwiches and their uncanny ability to imitate his silly voices, in Mary’s even-tempered kindness and generosity, in Nick’s courage, in Sam’s creativity, or in Danielle’s resilience and wit. From him they learned that forgiveness is a conscious act—one that is difficult and fruitful and worthwhile. Steve helped many people change their lives for the better and allowed himself to be changed by them, too. He will be missed.

His Funeral will be held Tuesday at 8:30 am from the IANNOTTI Funeral Home, 415 Washington St. (Rte.117), Coventry, with a concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am in St. Anthony Church, West Warwick.  Military Honors will be held outside in the church gardens.  Burial will be private.  Visiting hours Monday 4-7 pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Steve’s name to Project Purple (http://www.projectpurple.org) would be appreciated.  

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