Jaime D. Simas

Simas, Jaime Domingos of Seekonk, Massachusetts and Ponta Garça, São Miguel, Açores, passed away on July 14, 2023, at the age of 88. 

He was the beloved husband of Ingelcia Maria (daCosta) Simas and devoted father to Anna Cristofaro and her husband Michael (Waterford, Connecticut); Jaime J. Simas and his wife Wendy (Seekonk, Massachusetts); and Ingelcia Annese and her husband Anthony (Seminole, Florida). Jaime was a cherished grandfather (Vavô) to Brittany and Nicole Simas, Isabella and Gabriella Annese, and Daniel Cristofaro. He was uncle to numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved.

Jaime was the second of eight children born to Antonino Simas and Ana Sá in Ponta Garça, São Miguel, Açores. He is survived by his siblings Antonio deSimas (Bristol, RI), Apolonia Cunha Vaz (Lisbon, PT), Françisco Simas, and José Maria Simas (Bristol, RI). He was predeceased by his siblings Maria daGloria, Rita, and Manuel. 

Growing up, Jaime enjoyed playing soccer, and he was a founding member of the Clube Desportivo de Vila Franca (CDVF). Soccer remained a lifelong passion.

After serving in the Portuguese Army, Jaime married Ingelcia, his childhood sweetheart. He emigrated to the United States where they began building their lives in East Providence, RI.

Jaime's first job was building coffins for Rhode Island Casket Company, and it was there he realized he had an aptitude for woodworking. He went on to work for L. Vaughn Company (Warwick, RI) where he continued perfecting his craft, achieving the level of Master Cabinetmaker (Joiner).  As an Outside Foreman for the company, Jaime would help oversee complex cabinetry projects all along the east coast, from Massachusetts to Florida. 

When L. Vaughn Company closed, Jaime found a new home working at Brown University. There, he freely shared his cabinet making expertise with others and was a much respected mentor to his team members.

Jaime also enjoyed a part-time career in real estate, working many years with East Realty (East Providence, RI) and Dave Smith Realty/Century 21 (Rehoboth, MA). In that time, he helped countless families and business owners find their perfect home or business location.  Jaime's children often joked he knew so many people through real estate connections that he should be named "Honorary Mayor."

Since emigrating to the United States, Jaime was a communicant at Saint Francis Xavier Church (East Providence, RI) where he was a respected member of the congregation and avid supporter of the church's work. Jaime was a man of faith but knew the value of living his faith through hard work and service to others.

Above all else, Jaime loved his wife and family. He and Ingelcia celebrated 64 years of marriage this year. Jaime loved nothing more than being surrounded by his children and grandchildren, supporting and encouraging them at every turn. At the age of 70, Jaime began construction of a family retreat in Ponta Garça on land he inherited from his own parents. Here, he was able to introduce his young grandchildren to life in the "Old Country" and share with them a family legacy of which he was so proud.

Relatives and friends are most kindly invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated in his honor on Friday, July 21, 2023 at 10:00 AM in Saint Francis Xavier Church, 81 North Carpenter Street, East Providence. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 550 Wampanoag Trail, Riverside. The family requests that all those who are attending the funeral, please report directly to church that morning. There will be no public procession from the funeral home.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 20, 2023 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM in the REBELLO FUNERAL HOME, 901 Broadway, East Providence.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Jaime's name may be made to Saint Jude's Children's Research Hospital, by mailing a check to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or by visiting www.stjude.org. 

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