Even when they were losing, Massapequa resident Fred DeSimone rooted for the New York Mets religiously. Every year he held season tickets and when he wasn’t at the game he was watching the games on television.

A 48-year Massapequa resident, Mr. DeSimone died September 19, 2004 at the age of 82.

He was born in Brooklyn and married his wife Thomasine after the couple met at a friend’s house in South Ozone Park, Queens. They were married for 57 and a half years.

"He was a great husband and doting father," said his wife. "Even after a long day at work, he’d come home and take the girls out shopping if they needed something, since I didn’t drive."

"He loved to have a good time," remembered his daughter Victoria "He was very social and outspoken. They called him the mayor of the block."

Mr. DeSimone owned a Coca-Cola route in Long Island City for seven years and later managed a grocery store and a warehouse in Brentwood until his retirement in 1987. He then worked part time as the head of maintenance for the Tri-County Flea Market in Levittown.

In addition to his wife, Mr. DeSimone leaves behind his daughters Gayle Kaufman and her husband Mark of Massapequa Park, Victoria Entwistle and her husband Scott from North Massapequa and Melissa Matheson and husband Glen of Elmont. His grandchildren Kerri, Todd, Chelsey, Erin, Brian and Kimberley also survive him as do his sisters Ann Oser of Elmont and Barbara Kawa of Michigan. He was predeceased by his brother Frank and his sisters Theresa Graham, Mary Dolski, Pauline DeSimone and Genny Pavone.

He reposed at the Massapequa Funeral Home, North Chapel, 1050 Park Blvd., Massapequa Park and interred at Pinelawn Memorial Park on September 23, 2004.