Simon Joseph Ghiraldi

Simon, also fondly known as Sammy, was born to Ciro and Angela Ghiraldi, on July 8, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York. Sammy had a love for art, food, family, and country. At the young age of 17, Simon enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Korean War. After his service, he was commissioned as a freelance artist around the neighborhood. After suffering injuries later in life, Simon excelled at being a full-time dad and enjoyed spending time with family more than anything. He was best known for his holiday baking and his exceptional Sunday sauce and meatballs.

Simon is survived by his wife Marie and seven children, Simone, Frank, Barbara, Gina, Patty, Angela, and Ciro. He is also survived by his youngest brother, Ciro Ghiraldi, along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Simon was predeceased by his parents, sister Carmela, brother Frank, and son Louie.

Simon had a wonderful way of bringing people and communities together. One of the greatest examples is when he built a baseball field for his son Frank in an empty lot in a community that eventually drew participation from all community members and newspaper writers. Sammy had a way of making everyone love him. From his heart, he would call those he loved "Minny Mouse, Beautiful, Sweatheart, and Tomato." Simon's magnetic personality and larger-than-life character will truly be missed.

A service will be held on March 30, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony Abbot Catholic Church, 20428 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34601.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/tampa-cremation for the Ghiraldi family.