John DeSimone

John Paul DeSimone, age 82, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away on April 6, 2026. John was born January 12, 1944, in Mishawaka, Indiana, and was a graduate of Mishawaka High School, Class of 1962. He later attended Indiana University South Bend before beginning a career in sales and sales management within the RV, Fastener, and Automotive After-market industries. John went on to become a partner in Fastec, a Fortune 100 startup company in the Michiana area, and later worked with Leggett & Platt, where he contributed to the distribution of commercial truck products. On June 13, 1970, John married Diane Garrett in South Bend. Together, they shared over 55 years of love, laughter, and marriage. He was a longtime and faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Honey Creek Parish in Texas, where his faith remained an important part of his life.

John proudly served his country for eight years in the United States Army Reserves. In his youth, John enjoyed drag racing and was a member of the Dick Brennan Drag Racing Team. As he grew older, he loved spending time on the golf course and could often be found watching golf on Sunday afternoons. An early love of hunting stayed with him throughout his life, and he especially enjoyed the time he spent in nature, including outings with his high school teacher, Mr. Hill. John also had a great love for dogs. He was an AKC field trial judge for many years and took great pride in the sport, including having one of his own dogs inducted into the AKC Field Trial Hall of Fame. John had a natural ability to connect with others, never meeting a stranger, and was known for sharing detailed stories from his many life experiences. He was well-liked by all who knew him.

John is survived by his loving wife, Diane DeSimone; his brother, Sam DeSimone of Mishawaka; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Batista and Catherine (Perri) DeSimone; and his brother, Joe DeSimone.

There will be one hour of visitation prior to the 11:00 am Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 4508 Vistula Rd, Mishawaka, IN 46544. Wells and Cruz Family Funeral Home of Mishawaka has been entrusted with his care. We invite those unable to attend in person to join us for a livestream of the funeral service, so everyone can honor and remember John together by viewing his service in real time in the window below.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation through their secure online portal at www.TPWD.Texas.gov. To light a virtual candle, share a story of John’s life, or leave a message of comfort for his family, please follow the links provided on the guestbook tab above.

Disclaimer: All obituaries published by Cruz Family Funeral Home are the intellectual property of Cruz Family Funeral Home. They may not be copied, edited, altered, reproduced, or scraped for use on any other website or platform without explicit written permission. Unauthorized use, duplication, or modification of any obituary content is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.