Lou Simonik Cheryle

Cheryle-Lou (Colapietro) Simonik, 71, of Bristol, passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at home. Cheryle-Lou was the beloved widow of the late Paul Simonik, who passed away in 2001. She was born in Southington on September 24, 1954, and was the daughter of the late Louis and Althea (Tousant) Colapietro. Cheryle-Lou attended Bristol schools and was currently employed by Home Depot of Bristol for over 20 years, where she was a salesperson in the appliance department. Prior to Home Depot, Cheryle-Lou was a bartender at the former Chippy's Bar. It was here where she put her mixology expertise to the test. She created an award-winning drink she called "The Bart Simpson" which is still famous to this very day. When not working, she could be found tending to her garden and working in her yard. Cooking for others was something she loved to do, whether it was her homemade "Stouffer's Lasagna" or her famous hot dog stew which was derived from an old family recipe. When a new gadget came onto the market, Cheryle-Lou made sure she purchased it and tried it out. She was also a fan of Nascar, which she enjoyed watching with her late husband Paul. A classy lady, Cheryle-Lou was always dressed to the nines, especially when it came to her boots. She always had a smile on her face and was very "happy go-lucky" especially at Home Depot. She loved a good party and enjoyed a good time where for her it was always "5 o'clock Somewhere. She will be sorely missed by her family and many friends. Cheryle-Lou is survived by her beloved daughter Lori Lavergne and her partner Michael Stegenga of Terryville. She is also survived by her siblings, her brother Michael Colapietro and his wife Vicki of San Tan Valley, AZ and also by her four sisters, Dodie Cromack and her husband Albert of Unionville, Sandra Carlina and her husband Pat of Bristol, Arline Rich also of Bristol and Susan Wentworth of Manchester and also by six nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her brother Ralph Colapietro and by her two fur babies, Bella and Cromley. Calling hours for Cheryle-Lou will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, from 5-7 PM with a service at 7 PM at Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol, CT 06010. Burial will be private. Please visit Cheryle-Lou's memorial page at www.FunkFuneralHome.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Attn. Michael Swyer, 199 Water St., 11th Floor, New York, NY 10038