Anita Simons Aquilio

Anita Simons Aquilio, 86, well known Wysox businesswoman and resident, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009, at Memorial Hospital, N. Towanda Twp., Pa.

Anita was born Oct. 8, 1922, in Warren Township, Pa., the daughter of the late Frank Simons and Anna Taylor Simons and was a graduate of the LeRaysville High School. In 1939, Anita went to work for Daniel J. Aquilio Sr. at Pipher's Diner in Wysox, Pa.

Several years later on June 27, 1942, she married Daniel Sr. and Mary Aquilio's son, Daniel J. Aquilio Jr. and in later years the couple assumed the operation and ownership of the family business, Pipher's Diner, which continues today with the third generation of the Aquilio Family.

Anita dedicated more than 70 years of her life working at the diner serving meals, cooking and baking and during those years she raised five children. Anita and her husband Daniel also owned and operated the former Red Rooster Restaurant in Wysox for a number of years. Anita loved nature, caring for her horses she raised and photography. She was also a collector of unique articles. Anita was a life member of the Towanda Gun Club and the Bradford County Outboard Motor Club.

She is survived by: her children, Joseph Aquilio and his wife Ann Aquilio of Columbus, Ohio, Sarahanne Ohart and her husband Raymond Ohart of Tamaqua, Pa., Kenneth Aquilio and his wife Chris Aquilio of Buffalo, N.Y., Louis Aquilio of Wysox, Pa.; daughter-in-law, Mary Aquilio of Towanda RR2, Pa.; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel J. Aquilio Jr., on Sept. 18, 1995; her son, Daniel J. Aquilio III, on June 14, 2005; sisters, Luella McCormick, Sarah Pitcher, Theresa Chaffee; and brothers, Glen, Leslie and Lee Simons.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday evening at the Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home, 217 York Ave. Towanda, Pa.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, 2009 at the funeral home with Rev. Robert Martin, pastor of the Wysox Presbyterian Church, officiating.

Interment will follow in Bradford County Memorial Park, Luthers Mills, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be directed to the Bradford County Humane Society, P.O. Box 179, Ulster, PA 18850, in Anita Simons Aquilio's memory.