Bosco Simich

Bosco Simich, of Eldorado, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 16, 2019 At 3:30 pm. He had been a resident of the Eldorado Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center since September of 2016. Mr. Simich was born in Vratnica, Macedonia on October 18, 1925 to Cvetko and Cira (Marinkovich) Simich.

In addition to his parents, Bosco was predeceased by his wife of nearly 68 years, Phyllis (Weaver) Simich in 2016. They were married on January 1, 1949 in Morganfield, Kentucky. He was also predeceased by an infant daughter, Ginger Lynn in 1955, two brothers, Boris Simich in 1943 and Jovo Simich in 2007, a sister, Sava Antovski in 2009, and a brother-in-law, Philip Weaver in 2016.

Bosco is survived by a daughter, Suzanne (Fred) Scott of Eldorado, a son, Barry (Leslie) Simich of Carmel, Indiana, a granddaughter, Victoria Simich also of Carmel, Indiana, three step grandsons, Nathan (Kristina) Scott, Michael Scott, Chris (Lauren) Scott and four step great grandchildren, Danielle, Callie, Oliver and Emmett Scott. Additionally, Bosco is survived by a sister in law, Marlene Weaver of Marion, brother-in law and sister in law, Bob and Emily Weaver of New Caney, Texas,  and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jeff and Karen Weaver of Sterling Heights, Michigan and nieces Vita (Michael) Roth, Vickie Reasons, nephews John (Rosie) Antovski), Sam (Jenny) Simich, Mike (Judy Weaver), Mark (Cathy) Weaver, Jim (Sherry) Weaver and several nieces and nephews in Texas and Michigan as well as one niece in his native country of Macedonia.  

Bosco immigrated to the United States in March of 1939, joining his father in Eldorado, who had immigrated to the United States in October of 1920. He attended the Eldorado schools and, after joining the United States Navy in January of 1944, fought for his new country during World War II. He served in the Philippines, France, Italy, Africa, Turkey, Russia and Greece. Twice he was within 150 miles of his homeland but could not enter as it was occupied by Germany. Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy in April of 1946, he became a naturalized US Citizen. Returning to Eldorado, he became a partner in his father’s business, the American Baking Company which, after the passing of his father in 1957, he and his brother Jovo, operated until 1973. He later became associated with Archway Cookies for 14 years, from which he retired in 1987.  

During his early years as a US Citizen, Bosco began seeking the immigration of other family members to the United States. With the aid of the late Congressman Kenneth J. Gray and late Senator Everett M. Dirksen, he was successful in bringing other family members to America including his mother in 1952 and his brother and family in 1958, as well as several family members of his business associates. He was honored in 1989, on the 50thanniversary of his entry into the United States, by the Illinois House of Representatives with a resolution sponsored by then State Representative David Phelps and a similar resolution by the United States House of Representatives sponsored by then Congressman Glenn Poshard, for his efforts to secure legal immigration for his family and for his service to America during World War II. 

Bosco was an avid sports fan, particularly of the Eldorado Eagles and the St. Louis Cardinals football team. He was raised in the Greek Orthodox faith and was inducted into the Masonic Order in 1954. Bosco Simich will be remembered as a good businessman and for his exceptional work ethic. Above all, he will be remembered for his deep commitment to his family which he loved above all else.   

The family would like to thank the staff of the Eldorado Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center for the care of Bosco during his years as a resident. 

Funeral services will be conducted at the Colonial Terrace Funeral Home in Eldorado on Tuesday, August 20that 1:00 pm with Pastor Chris Wise officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 to time of service. Burial will be in Wolf Creek Cemetery with military rites appropriate for one of the Greatest Generation. 

In addition to flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Eldorado High School Football Program and will be accepted at the funeral home.  Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family via the website www.colonialterracefuneralhome.com