Columbus, OH — Joseph Anthony DeSimone Sr., 93, of Kiamesha Lake, N.Y., died Nov. 4, 2019, at the Sullivan Co. Adult Care Center in Liberty.

The son of the late Anthony DeSimone Sr. and Adeline Lagomarsino DeSimone, he was born Aug. 8, 1926 in Manhattan.

Mr. DeSimone was a boxer in the Golden Gloves and his wife said, “he could do a mean lindy!” When he first moved to Monticello, he drove for the Intercity Bus Line with his brothers and his father. He proudly served during the Korean conflict in the United States Army.

His career than took a different path. He became a Standardbred driver at Monticello Raceway where his passion was his horse, Glen Cove Colonel. He spent many years working at the track in different positions from stall manager to starting judge. He was a volunteer for 30 years at the Goshen Historic Track. In recognition of losing one of their own, the raceway will be flying their flag at half-mast.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Rita Jennings DeSimone; son, Joseph (Dana); daughter, Sherrie; granddaughter, Angela Brodie; great grandson, AJ Rodriguez; great-great grandsons, Anthony and Cameron; brothers, Alfred and John (Jackie); sister, Angela Mesceda; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-mother, Peggy; brothers, Pasquale (Pat) and Anthony Jr. (Junior); and sister, Marie.

Visitation will be held on Thursday (Nov. 7) from 6-9 p.m. at the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home, 401 Broadway, Monticello. His funeral service will be held on Friday (Nov. 8) at 12 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Monticello.

Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello, N.Y.; for additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com.

His family always knew how much they were loved by him and he will be greatly missed.