Rev. Fr. Charles Simones Obituary
“We pray for the priest of God, Father Charles, who shared countless cherished memories with us. May he rest in peace for eternity.”
Father Demetrios Panteloukas
New London – Reverend Charles J. Simones, the retired cleric of St. Sophia Hellenic Orthodox Church in New London, passed away on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London. Born on January 3, 1932, in Lewiston, Maine, Father Simones was the son of the late Demetrios and Alice Lambrew Simones.
In 1951, he completed his studies at Edward Little High School in Auburn, Maine. Father Simones graduated from Holy Cross Seminary in Brookline, Massachusetts, in 1958, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. He went on to obtain a master’s degree in education from Trinity College in Hartford in 1972. On September 28, 1958, in Portland, Maine, he married Joan Canacaris from Bath, Maine, and the couple enjoyed 64 years of marital bliss.
Father Simones served as a priest for a total of 48 years, first at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Quebec City, P.Q, Canada for three years and then at St. Sophia Hellenic Orthodox Church in New London for 45 years. The Simones family has called Waterford their home for the past 55 years.
On April 16, 1967, in Lewiston, Maine, Father Simones was honored with the title Sakellarios. Later, on May 5, 1983, he was named a Protopresvyteros by the Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras. Father Simones translated three books on Elder Porphyrios, titled “Elder Porphyrios: Testimonies and Experiences,” “The Divine Flame Elder Porphyrios Lit in My Heart,” and “Miraculous Occurrences and Counsels of the Elder Porphyrios.” He retired from St. Sophia Church in 2006 and was celebrated on October 8, 2006, by the parishioners and friends for his 45 years of dedication to St. Sophia Hellenic Church and 48 years in the Greek Orthodox priesthood. Following his retirement, he served at the Three Hierarchs Chapel on the University of Connecticut campus at Storrs for several years.
Father Simones is survived by his wife Joan; his sons Gregory Simones and Thomas Simones, who is married to Genesis; his grandsons George Simones and Dimitri Simones; and his former daughter-in-law, Katina Simones. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Constantine Simones.
Visitation will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, at St. Sophia Hellenic Orthodox Church, 200 Hempstead Street, New London. A memorial service is scheduled for 5 p.m. on the same day. On Friday morning, April 21, Matins and Divine Liturgy will be held from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the church. Following the visitation, which begins at 10 a.m., a Paschal Funeral for a Priest will commence at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Sophia Hellenic Orthodox Church. To sign the guest book or share a memory with the family, please visit www.byles.com.