John Simko Jr., age 94, of Stratford, beloved husband of the late Verna Mezorski Simko, passed away on Tuesday, July 8, 2014 in Lord Chamberlain Health Center, Stratford. John, a WWII Veteran of the U.S. Army was born in Hazleton, Pennsylvania to the late John and Mary (Rilko) Simko and has been a long time area resident. He was a retired employee of Sikorsky Aircraft, where he was a member of the Quarter Century Club. John served in the 45th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army at Mt. Cassino, Italy, where he received a Purple Heart, after being injured, and spending twenty months in the Army Hospital. He was a member of St. John's Byzantine Catholic Church, Nichols, D.A.V. Post 15, VFW Post 9460, American Legion Post 11, and the Teamsters Union.John's family would like to thank the entire staff of Lord Chamberlain HCC for their kind and loving care. Survivors include his devoted son John P. Simko and his companion Beth Ballard, 3 cherished grandchildren Arthur, Matthew, and Christopher, a great-granddaughter Lizzie, son-in-law Arthur Burritt, and his wife Peggy, 2 brothers Joseph (Julie) Simko, and Michael (Lorraine) Simko, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his beloved wife and parents, John was pre-deceased by his daughter Paula Burritt, and a brother George Simko. Funeral services will take place on Friday, July 11, 2014 at 9:15AM in the Adzima Funeral Home 50 Paradise Green Place Stratford and at 10AM in St John's Byzantine Catholic Church, 100 St John's Drive, Trumbull, for a Divine Liturgy with Office of Christian Burial. Interment with full military honors will be in St. John's Cemetery, Stratford. Friends may greet the family on Thursday from 4-7 PM. Panachida will take place at 6:30PM. In lieu of flowers those desiring may make donations in John's memory to the D.A.V.P.O. Box14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250 or to the Norma F. Pfriem Breast Center 267 Grant St Bridgeport, CT 06610.