He was born on Sept. 5, 1929, the son of the late Myer and Stella (Lazarovich) Simensky. Born and raised in Biddeford, Maine, he graduated from Biddeford High School and Waltham Watch Repair School.
Jack founded Jack and Larry’s Jewelry in 1950, along with his late twin brother, Larry. The store was originally located on the corner of Main and Alfred Streets and moved to 135 Main St. after a fire destroyed the original building.
He closed Jack and Larry’s in 2007 and continued to work in semi-retirement for several years at Twin City Gold in Biddeford. Jack was well known in Biddeford and was affectionately called the “Mayor of Biddeford” by those who knew and loved him.
Jack was a lover of all Boston sports along with being an avid golfer and poker player. He and his wife Carol spent their winters in Delray Beach, Florida for 18 years and loved every minute of it. He lived a full and wonderful life and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Jack is survived by the love of his life, Caroline Griff Simensky, to whom he was the devoted husband for over 58 years; his daughter Melinda and her husband Larry Whitman of Natick, Massachusetts; grandchildren, Jennifer Whitman of Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Michael Whitman of Natick, Massachusetts currently a junior at the University of Maryland. Jack is also survived by sister-in-laws Barbara Simensky of Biddeford and Faye Simensky of Boynton Beach, Florida.
He was predeceased by brothers Arthur, Harry and twin Larry and sisters Betty and Tyna and her husband, Joe. He was also the loving uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, at Temple Beth El in Portland, Maine. Shiva was held in Natick, Massachusetts.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jack’s memory to Brookhaven Hospice, 114 Turnpike Road, Suite 206, Westborough, MA 01581 or The American Heart Association.
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