John Simkus Obituary
- atgaccordionistste
- May 28
- 2 min read
Updated: May 31
John Simkus
July 13, 1937 - April 6, 2026
This tribute was based on an article written by ATG member and Chicago Accordion Club President, Diane Bryniarski for the CAC April newsletter, and an article written by Rita Barnea, editor of www.accordionusa.news. This is used with their permission.
Long time ATG member, John Simkus 88, passed away April 6, 2026. Born in Chicago to John and Anna (Neniskis) Simkus, the family moved to Hillside when John was 13. He graduated from Proviso High School, Maywood, in 1955. John started accordion lessons at 5 years old and continued to play every day of his life. He joined the Army Reserves in 1958 and his accordion playing for officer functions saved him from many KP duties.
He married Mary Ann (Govaker) in 1963 and had two daughters, JoAnn (Victor) Nissen and Susan (Jeffery) Tasche.
John worked at Chicago Mold Engineering, Hillside, Ill., as a journeyman tool maker. A spark of entrepreneurship lead him to start Simco Plastics in his garage in 1976. He expanded the business in 1978, moving it from his garage in Marengo, IL. to Huntley, IL., where it remained until he sold it in 1993 and retired.
John returned to his first love of music after retiring, performing with groups and accumulating 6 accordions in his music room. He has produced 3 CDs of his own and partnered with other musicians on CDs. He has performed in Europe and twice in Russia, where he was able to meet Stas Venglevski’s parents who took a 2-hour train ride for the meeting.
John was a major force for the Chicago Accordion Club (CAC), serving as president for two stints, from 1993-1998 and then again from 2001-2004. He was inducted into the CAC Hall of Fame in 2024. He was the ultimate promoter of the CAC, attending camps around the country and attracting great talents, such as Art Van Damme, Frank Marocco, Dick Contino, and Tony Lovello to play for the CAC. He quietly financially sponsored some of the big acts.
Simkus frequently collaborated and performed with ATG board member internationally known accordionist Stas Venglevski. Their appearances included concerts, accordion club events, and workshops in the Midwest.
During his retirement, a Canadian 2-week fishing trip was a yearly event. John also enjoyed snow skiing in upper Michigan with his family. He was an accomplished private pilot, and a ham radio operator K9POV. He was a member of St. Laurence Church, Elgin and played piano at the early mass for 35 years.
John is remembered as a dedicated musician, businessman, and family man whose life was defined by his love of music and service to others.
Click on the link below to listen to John Simkus and Stas Venglevski performing a duet.
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