Joseph C. Simas, Jr.

Lakeville, MA – Mr. Joseph (“Joe”) C. Simas, Jr., 91, considered the unofficial “mayor” and long-time resident of Lakeville, MA, passed away gently after a long and wonderful life on June 1, 2025.

Born and raised in New Bedford, MA, Joe was an Army Veteran, and attended Bridgewater State University where he earned his Bachelors and Master’s Degrees in History and Education.  Joe married his high-school sweetheart, Myrtle Davis of New Bedford, and they had a long and happy marriage of 54 years until she passed in 2010.  He is survived by three daughters, Leah Simas Callan, Rebecca Simas Connolly (and her husband Mark Connolly) and Jennifer Simas (and her husband Sean Soares). Joe has seven grandchildren - Chelsea Schofield, Steven Lucas, Joseph (named after Joe!) Connolly, Fiona Connolly, Jacob Robinson, Riley Soares and Avery Soares, and four great grandchildren - Nora and Rowan Schofield, and Haven and Eden Lucas - all of whom called him “Pop”.

Joe led a life of service to others.  He was the finest example of an educator, having served the greater Lakeville/Freetown school system for 35 years at Apponequet Regional High School.  He began his career as a history teacher, where his particular story-telling style, and love of American History, especially the Civil War period, made learning fun.  Joe became a guidance counselor, and then the Assistant Principal, but spent most of his career as the longest-tenured Principal at Apponequet.  His particular passion was for Apponequet’s sports programs, as you could almost always find him after school on the playing fields or courts watching the Lakers dominate.  He started the Apponequet Boosters program and also was an early proponent of women’s sports in championing Title IX.  In all of these roles, he is remembered for his extreme kindness, empathy and fairness.  Joe was so beloved by students that multiple classes dedicated their yearbooks to him. 

After retirement, Joe continued to serve his community, on the Old Colony School Committee and as a member and the Chairman of the Lakeville Finance Committee.  Joe was instrumental in founding the St. Vincent De Paul Society at St. Martha’s & Mary Parish, as he wanted to find ways to do more for the most vulnerable in the community.  As anyone in Lakeville and the surrounding towns knew, if anything needed to be done, or if someone was in need, a call to Joe was made.  In 2008, the Freetown-Lakeville School Committee voted to designate Apponequet’s lecture hall as the Joseph C. Simas Jr. Lecture Hall as a tribute to his years of public service. 

After retirement, Joe and Myrtle also pursued their passions of traveling the world and exploring different cultures and meeting new people.  They had a particular love for natural beauty and the great outdoors and explored many of our Nation’s beautiful National Parks.  And of course, their happy place was on the waters of Buttermilk Bay, Cape Cod.

Throughout his entire life, and even into his old age, he never lost his wit and deep kindness.   Joe has had a tremendous impact on many lives – his students, his colleagues, his community and, most of all, his family. 

Memorial visitation will be held at the Dahlborg-MacNevin Funeral Home, at 280 Bedford Street, Lakeville, MA  02347 on Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 4:00-6:30PM, followed by a memorial service at 6:30PM.

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