Mileta Simović was called to Heaven on Friday June 9th 2017
Born 10th of February, 1929 in Pranjani, Yugoslavia, was one of six sons and two daughters born to Radenko and Kosara.
In the rolling farmland they produced plums as well as the famous šljivovica plum brandy. He was known for his metalworking ability and he designed and operated a crystal radio during World War II that brought news to his family and neighbors.
With the grace of God, he emigrated to Greece in 1958, then to Canada in 1959 where his younger brother, Jestro, still lives. While there he met Sofija from Cleveland, Ohio. They were married in Cleveland in 1962 and had a son, Milan and daughter Dana. He worked as a plumber and maintenance man for the Sheraton hotel in downtown Cleveland while he trained to become an industrial refrigeration engineer. He was then able to work for a large baking company and later a large meatpacking company. In 1979 he purchased a gasoline service station in Strongsville, Ohio where he taught Milan the value of good work ethic and responsibility. Sofija started her own Beauty Salon in the 1960’s. Together this example of hard work and dedication to family has been instilled in their children to this day.
He and Sofija were the example ‘opposites attract’. While Sofija was outspoken and bold, Mileta’s words were few and conservative. He enjoyed staying at home, reading, doing all house repairs and yard work, watching television, and munching on Doritos!
They came to Arizona in 1987 where Sofija continued her salon business with Dana. Mileta worked occasionally with Milan in the automotive repair field. Once the grandchildren finally started coming, Sierra, Rowland, Rajko then Melanija, ‘Deda Mile’ was finally realizing his purpose and joy in life. He stayed active until his eyesight failed in 2011.
Mileta is preceded by wife Sofija who passed away May 2016. Survived by son Milan with wife Vera and grandchildren Rajko and Melanija. Daughter Dana with husband Rowland Fuchs, grandchildren Sierra and Rowland Jr. His brother Jestro and family of Ancaster, Ontario Canada. Also, dear ‘Prijatelji’ Rajko and Dusanka Pilipovic of Chandler, Arizona.
He also leaves behind extended family in Serbia, Canada and the US
He used a quote from an unknown source: “Getting Old…. I wouldn’t recommend it”
He was a good man both on the inside, and the outside. He will be missed by many and surely welcomed in God’s Kingdom. Vecna Mu Pamjat – May his memory be Eternal.
A Visitation shall take place from 5:30 – 7:00 pm on Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 4436 E McKinley St, Phoenix, AZ 85008. Services shall be held Wednesday June 14th at 9:00 am, also at St Sava Church.