John Simpson

John Simpson

April 26, 1947 – February 7, 2022

John Simpson, 74, passed away in his Westfield home on February 7, 2022.  Son of Arthur and Christine (nee Macpherson) Simpson, John grew up in Staten Island, New York as the youngest of four children.  John proudly served his country in the 1st Air Cavalry Division of the United States Army, completing a one-year combat tour in Vietnam from 1967-1968 and receiving an Army Commendation Medal for heroism against a hostile force. 

Upon his return from Vietnam, John met his beloved wife Christine (nee Karniewski) to whom he was happily married for over 47 years.  John could best be described as a family man, fiercely devoted to his wife and two children, Heather and Scot.  A self-proclaimed “student of the game,” John was an avid soccer enthusiast, lacing up his first pair of soccer cleats at age 40 and coaching both of his children for several years in the Cranford Soccer Club and Westfield Soccer Association.  John later had the pleasure to serve as assistant coach of the Roselle Catholic boys’ soccer team for six seasons alongside his son, Scot, as head coach. 

John became a proud grandfather with the birth of his grandson, William (Liam) John Lallis, in 2017.  Liam brought out the softer side of John and the two soon forged a special bond.  John cherished every minute he spent with Liam, whether it was reading books, watching movies or playing baseball in the yard.  In 2020, John was blessed with two granddaughters born two weeks apart, Charlotte (Charlee) Catherine Simpson and Katherine (Kate) Elizabeth Lallis.  John treasured the opportunity to see Charlee and Kate grow from infants to toddlers and only wished for more time.

John most enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and taking an annual summer vacation to Ogunquit, Maine (the “Beautiful Place by the Sea”) for over 25 years.  John loved sharing the experience with his dear friends and relatives (and amassed an extensive collection of Maine tee shirts along the way). 

John is survived by his wife, Christine Simpson; his daughter, Heather Simpson Lallis, and son-in-law, Danny Lallis; his son, Scot Simpson, and his daughter-in-law, Allison Simpson; his sister, Helen Latella; and his three grandchildren, Liam, Kate and Charlee.  John is predeceased by his parents and sisters Irene Hayes and Barbara Caprario.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Association at www.als.org.  

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