Pylesville Deacon Simpson dies at 78

A funeral Mass for Deacon John Simpson, who served his entire ministry at St. Mary, Pylesville, was offered July 2 at St. Mary. Deacon Simpson died June 25. He was 78.

Deacon Simpson was ordained to the diaconate in 1986 and was assigned to St. Mary until he retired in 2005. He continued to serve the parish even after his retirement.

“John was a very dedicated person,” said Father Henry Kunkel III, pastor. “He was very well-liked by the parish.”

According to Father Kunkel, Deacon Simpson was very involved in the sacraments of matrimony and baptism. He preached on the weekends and alternated serving the 9 a.m. weekday Masses. He enjoyed visiting the sick and his wife, Betty, who died in 2004, established the health care ministry at the parish, said Father Kunkel.

Deacon Simpson was also an associate chaplain for the Knights of Columbus where he was an active member and fourth-degree knight. He served as a chaplain for the volunteer fire department in Jarrettsville.

“He was committed to his ministry as a deacon,” said Father Kunkel.