Deacon Philip Simeone

Philip Alfred Simeone’s Obituary

April 17, 1941 – September 20, 2025

Deacon Philip Alfred Simeone was born on April 17, 1941 to Frank and Frances Simeone in Brooklyn, New York. He was the middle child between sisters Barbara and Loretta and grew up surrounded by family. He attended our Lady of Lourdes grammar school and then St. Francis Prep High School which was run by Franciscan brothers and where he was called to become a Franciscan brother himself.

He became Brother Carmine and received his bachelor’s degree from St. Francis College in 1964. He met Dominican sister, Sister Timothy Margaret and left the brotherhood (and she, the sisterhood) to be married in 1969. He was a well-loved teacher and earned his master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1971.

Phil and Margie adopted their daughter Claire in 1975 and in 1978 moved to Arizona where he would live for the rest of his life. As a guidance counselor at Marcos de Niza High School, Phil worked primarily with special needs students and their families. He also taught at Mesa Community College and the University of Phoenix. His hobbies included hiking, traveling and photography. In 1990 Margie passed away and he was devastated.

In 1994, Phil was profoundly blessed with his new love, Susan, and they were married. He was ordained to the Diaconate with the Diocese of Phoenix in 1995 and assigned to his home parish of Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Ahwatukee, where he helped establish the St. Clare Chapter of the Secular Franciscan Order. He lived his faith and actively served as a Deacon for over 30 years.

Phil is survived by wife Susan, daughter Claire, son-in-law Marc, and his beloved grandchildren Rosie and Timothy. His family and friends meant everything to him and there aren’t words to express how very much he will be missed.

Arrangements are as follows:

Monday, September 29, 2025

3:00pm Visitation, 4:30pm Vigil/Rosary

Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery and Funeral Home

1562 E. Baseline Rd, Mesa, AZ 85204

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

10:00am Funeral Mass (reception to follow)

Corpus Christi Catholic Church

3550 E. Knox Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85044

Internment will be held privately on the Feast of St. Francis, Saturday, October 4, 2025.

Donations may be made in Phil’s name to Holy Cross Hospice 1103 S. Mesa Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85210 – or holycrosshospice.com.