Ernest Simas, age 101, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital.
Born in Hilo, Hawaii on October 22, 1922, to the late Joseph and Alice (Ventura) Simas. As a young child his family moved to Honolulu, Oahu, to be closer to his grandparents, and for work purposes.
He entered the Marines the day after Pearl Harbor and served until he was honorably discharged. He went on to work for the City of Hawaii as public works. He was a member of United Public Works, Honolulu and helped pass legislations and lead picket lines. He retired in 1981. He loved to joke around and enjoyed being around his family, especially the children who brightened up his day. He experienced a lot of change living through the decades of a lifetime, that some may never know.
Ernest is survived by his children; Eraina Adams, Nathan Simas and Anthony Simas; siblings, Joseph Simas and Louis Hookano; seven grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild, many nieces, nephews and other family and friends.
Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his sons Ernest Simas Jr. and Ralph, and siblings, Irene, George, Clarence, and Anthony.
A special thank you to his niece, Debbie Slusher, for her love and care during his long life.
At one point he made the statement, “I am an old man, but I love Jesus.” And when asked what he felt was the reason for his long life, he said, “listen to your Doctor and most importantly God!”
Per Ernest’s wishes, private services were held.
