- Date Of Birth: 1934
- Date Of Death: 2021
- State: New York
On April 29, 2021, Joseph “Pep” J. Cimo, the seventh son of a seventh son, joined his sisters and brothers in heaven, after a difficult battle with Parkinsons.
He was born at home in Rome on June 4, 1934 to the late Antonio and Nellie Smaldon Cimo, and graduated from RFA in 1953. He immediately went to work at Griffiss AFB as a draftsman, and also worked at Cook Electric. While at Griffiss, he worked for ROAMA and GEEIA, and retired from the 485th Engineers. His work brought him all over the country and the world. He married Diane E. Pratt on June 6, 1959; a union of almost 62 years. Together they had three children, Christy Cimo Scarafile, Marc Cimo, and Dawn (George) Hewitt; and five grandchildren, Salvatore Scarafile, Santina (Ben) Kenney, Nathaniel Hewitt, and Jordan and Piper Cimo. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends, especially his best friend, William Hulsther.
In 1962, Pep and his brother, Eddy, built his home, which he still lived in to this day. There wasn’t anything he could do, build, or fix. He was always ready to help his family or friends. He loved dogs and kitties, and also loved to play baseball, ice hockey, chess, pool, and golf. He enjoyed fishing, canoeing, and camping. He had a quick wit and sense of humor. He liked country music especially Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson.
Pep was predeceased by his sisters, Connie Vaccaro, Rosemary Barbato, and Stephanie Ottavio; his brothers, Mariano, Joseph, and twins Edward and Frank; and his in laws, Don and Avos Pratt.
“Oh! I have slipped the surely bonds of Earth…Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.” (“High Flight” by John Gillespie Magee)
