Peter Joseph Simone

Peter Joseph Simone passed away at home, comforted by his family, on June 12, 2025.  Pete battled lung cancer for several months, while maintaining an active role in the lives of his family and friends. In May, he achieved his goal of attending his grandsons’ graduations.  He continued his trademark witty retorts and strong opinions until the end.  

Pete was the youngest child born to Jennie and Joe Simone.  He was raised in Northeast Kansas City, with his sister AnnaMarie and brother Anthony.  From a young age, he spent countless hours playing sports with family and neighbors.  Pete was a competitive athlete with a high sports IQ and was extremely good with numbers.  He was proud to have graduated from Rockhurst High School in 1963.  Alongside his cousins Pete Genova and Joe Spinello, he continued to attend Rockhurst football games (even this season) and maintained friendships with alumni, throughout his life.    

After high school, Pete met Karla Northington, a woman whose strong will matched his own.  They got married in 1970 and raised their three children in Northeast, on Sunrise Drive.  Pete coached his kids in baseball and basketball, creating memories that are still talked about.  Pete and Karla had the foresight to make education a priority, putting all three of their children through Catholic schools and through college.

Pete was a very proud Papa to his six grandsons, who brought out the best in him.  He encouraged their academic progress and supported them in their singing and acting performances.  Papa attended countless games to watch his grandsons play, and he took them to many events.  He was a Royals season-ticket holder for over 50 years, and enjoyed going to the ballgame, especially with his grandsons.  He was undoubtedly relieved to have the boys taking care of him throughout his illness, especially at the end.

Pete spent his 80 years in a way that reflected his core values of loyalty, honor, and friendship.  His storytelling was an artform, where his sense of humor and attention to detail were fully on display.  His analytical perspective and willingness to dispense advice often resulted in him explaining the “right way” to do things.  His generosity and wisdom were readily accessible to anyone in need.  Pete Simone left a lasting impression on people and his absence will be felt by all who knew him.

Pete is survived by his children Joe Pete, Jennifer, and Caroline; grandsons Charlie, Rocco, and Pete Simone Mandacina and their father, C.J. Mandacina; grandsons Johnny, Joey, and Tommy Simone and their mother, April Simone; sister AnnaMarie Inzenga; sister-in-law Barbie Winsky; and many loving nieces, nephews and godchildren.

Pete was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 45 years, Karla (Northington) Simone; his parents, Jenny and Joe Simone; his brother, Anthony Simone and sister-in-law Roseanne; his brother-in-law Joe Inzenga; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Marian and Carl Northington; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Caroline and Phil Tyler, Marlene and Sam Cessor, and Frank Winsky.

Services will be held at St. Therese Catholic Church. On Wednesday, June 18, the Rosary will be prayed at 3:30 p.m. followed by Visitation from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 19, with entombment at Resurrection Mausoleum.

Pallbearers: Anthony Pace, Joe Phil Inzenga, Anthony Simone Jr., Charlie Genova, Sal Abbott, Tom Sciortino, Jimmy Scola.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com