Joseph Simasek

Joseph Simasek, 95, of West Falls Church, Virginia, passed away quietly and comfortably on May 25, 2025.

 Born in McAdoo, PA, he was one of the thirteen children of Stephen Simasek and Susan Simasek (nee Slivka).  After high school he joined the US Navy as a photographer's mate aboard the USS Midway (CVB-41, 1948-1952).  After completing his military service he obtained a BS in Ed. and Masters in Public Administration.  He worked as a Special Education Teacher, Principal, and eventually the Assistant Supervisor for Special Education for Arlington Co. Public Schools.  As part of his professional career he was Editor and minor author of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

He and his wife, Charlotte, retired to Morganton, NC.  During retirement he served as a Senior Senator for Burke Co., NC as well as a working on a build team for Habitat for Humanity.

Joe was predeceased by his wife Charlotte Simasek (nee Westnedge) in 2016, but is survived by his three sons: Mike, Jon, and Jay; daughter-in-laws: Rachael and Noelle; and two grandchildren: Christopher and Sasha.

José, as he jokingly went by in later years, insisted that no wake, funeral, or memorial service be conducted.  He would appreciate a small donation to either Special Olympics (https://support.specialolympics.org/) or Habitat for Humanity (https://secure.habitat.org).