John 'Jay' Enrico Simonelli, 70
John “Jay” Enrico Simonelli, 70, passed away on Jan. 2, 2017, at Coeur d’Alene Hospice House.
John was born to Giovanni (Johnny) Enrico Simonelli and Phyllis Mae McMurray Simonelli on June 25, 1946, in Pasadena, Calif. John attended local schools graduating from Page Military Academy at 8 years old and Almambro High School in 1960.
John loved the beach and could often be seen peddling his bike through the community, surf board in hand to catch the next big wave. Soon, John was drawn to deeper waters and his passion for sailing often found him visiting Catalina Island
Both on the water and off, John loved to be outdoors. When he purchased his first motorcycle, which turned out to be the first of many, he set out with a group of buddies to experience the beauty of America visiting several states over his lifetime.
The mid-1970s found John in Minnesota working various jobs including in a smelter, on a dairy farm, and eventually learning the drywall trade. John met some wonderful friends in the trades, many of whom he remained in contact with through his later life.
In the 1980s, John returned to California where he met and married Pama. They moved to North Idaho in 1992, drawn by the beautiful lake, the wonderful scenery, and plentiful places to ride his beloved Harley Davidson. John and Pama later divorced.
John donated his time and talents to Habitat for Humanity and to the Bonner County School District as a trade instructor. He also offered his SCUBA experience to assist Bonner County with water searches.
John became a well-known drywall finisher in the Sandpoint area. In 1997, he met and fell in love with Susan Osborne Turnbull. They married two years later. During their years together they sailed, rode the Harley, and frequented Fifth Avenue for breakfast. The two made their home in Sagle, Idaho. He loved rigatoni and his beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Otis.
In 2011, John’s health began to fail him. After a time he found he could no longer ride the bike, sail, or swim and this took a toll on him. John was preceded in death by his mother, Phyllis; his father, Johnny; his stepbrother, Dan; and twin infant siblings.
He is survived by his stepmother, Donna Hutchinson Simonelli; a son, John Enrico Simonelli III; and two daughters, Jo Perkins, and Elizabeth Almgren. John is also survived by stepsons Spencer, Jason, and Jacob Turnbull, step daughter Angela Johnson, eight grandchildren, nine step-grandchildren and numerous family and friends.
As per John’s wishes no services will be held. However, a motorcycle ride memorial ride is planned for when the weather allows.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s name to Coeur d’Alene Hospice House.