WOODSTOCK — William J. Simonitis, 74, passed away peacefully on Sept. 11, 2014, in his sleep. He recently lived in Woodstock but has been a longtime resident of Freeport. He was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA, to Peter and Matilda (Trunciute) Simonitis. He became an Eagle Scout and joined the U.S. Air Force to “see the world.” That led him to Topsham where he met Elizabeth Gamble. They married some years later in New Jersey. In 1979, they left “the city” and moved to Freeport. He moved to Maine to buy a chicken barn and become a chicken farmer.
William worked for SAPPI paper in Hinckley for 25 years until retiring after having a stroke in 2007. He also worked for Shop Rite for 16 years. He and Elizabeth started Country Redemption Center in Freeport on July 4, 1982. He worked at the business on his days off from the mill often going to local business’s to pick up their empty bottles and cans. He was still working at the family business until the day before his passing.
William enjoyed reading and watching football and baseball. He loved his three grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, two sons Peter Simonitis of Auburn and Daniel Simonitis of Freeport. His grandchildren Emerald, Brandon, and Anderson Simonitis of Auburn. He has two cousins, Jean Lokay of Northampton, PA and Diane Bartok of Rahway, NJ. He was predeceased by his father who died when he was an infant; and his mother Matilda Jacob (Simonitis). Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, Sept. 19 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Freeport with Rev. Sandy Williams officiating. Burial was at Gracelawn Memorial Park in Auburn.
Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 26 W. Dwinal St., Mechanic Falls.
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