Paul A. Simonelli

1965 - 2014

Paul Andrew Simonelli, 49 of Cromwell, formerly of Colchester, CT died unexpectedly on October 7, 2014. He was predeceased by his father John Simonelli. Paul's career spanned over thirty years in the elevator industry that included working for Westinghouse, Montgomery and eventually Kone. He was very active in IEUC local 91. Paul was long regarded as an industry expert and was occasionally sent to other states to fix those "impossible problems". Paul graduated from A.I, Prince Technical School and attended the Connecticut State Technical College to further hone his skills. Paul was an avid golfer and he truly enjoyed many hilarious rounds with his friends and his brother Steve plus his annual pilgrimage to Myrtle Beach, SC. Along with his former wife Debbie they opened JS Toy and Hobby Store in Salem, CT, which sparked his passion for RC cars and airplanes. Paul was also a New York Giants Football fan and never missed an opportunity to cheer them on even during those many losing years. He especially enjoyed hosting his special Super Bowl party. Later in life Paul also developed a passion for NASCAR. Along with the rest of his family he shared a deep passion for cooking. He also spent many hours of his free time tinkering on his house. Paul was one of those special individuals you could always count on to be there for you in your time of need. He could never say no to family or friends. He is survived by his mother Patricia (Shumski) Simonelli of Rocky Hill, his former wife Debbie of Colchester, his son John of Seattle, WA, and his daughter Abbey of Colchester. Paul also leaves his brother, John and his wife Cathy and nieces Emily and Marissa of Broad Brook, CT and niece Bryana and her husband Daniel of Franklin, MA and their new twin boys, and his other beloved brother Steve of Cromwell. His aunt and uncle Peggy and Paul Patry of Saint Albans, VT. His very special uncle and aunt Jack and Emily DeRosa and their children Julie, Jackieann, John and Jenny of South Windsor, CT. An uncle John Shumski of Colchester. His former in-laws Frank and Diane Gilchrest of Old Saybrook as well as a former brother-in-law, Michael Gilchrest and his wife Erin, nieces Hayley and Cassidy, and nephew Luke; and former sister-in-law Leigh Siobodzian and her husband Mark. And many other loving cousins, nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be held Saturday, October 11, 2014 1:30-5:30pm at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield, followed by a memorial service with Sister Joanne Fahey, C.P. officiating. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Paul's memory may be made for the benefit of his children to: Dutch Point Credit Union, P.O. Box 290788, Wethersfield, CT 06109 - make checks payable to John Simonelli. To share a memory with the family please visit www.dillonbaxter.com.