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BORN
1936
DIED
2021
John Simoncini Obituary
West Boylston - John "Jack" Francis Simoncini, 84, of West Boylston, passed away on Saturday, May 29, 2021 at St. Lucie Medical Center following a long illness.
John was born on December 22, 1936 in Worcester, MA to John and Margaret Simoncini. He graduated from North High School in 1955 and then from North Adams State College in 1960, where he was a standout basketball player. John then received his Masters Degree from Worcester State College in 1964.
He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 62 years Suzanne (Smith) Simoncini; his sisters Ruth Cangello and Janyce Safford; his children Donald Simoncini and his wife Judy of West Boylston, MA, Suzanne Donas and her husband Fotis of Port St. Lucie, FL, Sally DiLeo and her husband Moe of Port St. Lucie, FL, Michael Simoncini and his wife Paula of Worcester, MA, Jenifer O'Malley and her husband John of Worcester, MA; his grandchildren, Anthony Paldino, Chelsea McTague and her husband Timothy, Ryan Simoncini and his wife Ashley, Christina Donas, John Donas, John Simoncini, and Gary Giofreda; and his six great grandchildren; Domenic, Roman, Luna, Kenneth, Leonardo, and Luka. He was predeceased by his brothers Edward and Robert Simoncini, and a sister Geraldine Simoncini.
John had so many beautiful memories of growing up on Granby Road and playing in East Park that he loved to share, and the stories of his childhood are legendary amongst his grandchildren.
John began teaching at St. Nicholas Ave Elementary School in 1961. His thirty four year career within the Worcester Public Schools included being head teacher in the Teacher Core, the Director of Title I Programming, the Director of Federal Programs, and the Director of Human Resources. He was quick to say he wished he never left the classroom. He was bestowed numerous awards and accolades over the years, his proudest being the Worcester Sons of Italy Achievement Award. He was a longtime member of the Board of Directors for Worcester Credit Union. He was also a member of Mel's Bowling League for forty years, and was an active member of the Columbus Civic Club where he enjoyed many a late Friday night card game.
John was the master of telling a good story and quick with a joke; the twinkle in his eyes when he got to the punchline was infectious. He was a friend to many and always looked forward to spending time with the guys drinking coffee at the Gold Star Diner, and watching the races in Saratoga. Most of his favorite stories to tell included his in-laws turned dear friends Errol and Pat Mancini.
All services will be privately held.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John's Food Pantry @ St. Francis Xavier Center, 20 Temple Street, Worcester, MA 01604.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Simoncini
Claudette Moussa.
May 24, 2024
Oh my Goodness. I'll always remember the kindness, the humanity and the professionalism. Rest in love.
Elaine Simone and John Ferdella
June 26, 2021
To Sue, her children, and grandchildren, please accept our condolences on the passing of Jack. We agree with all the beautiful, poignant messages from so, so many others. I, Elaine, grew up right next door to Jackie and his family, Simi, Hazel, and their kids, in our off- Shrewsbury St. neighborhood (Granby/Caprera Rd) that Jack always loved to reminisce about. Surprisingly wonderful that he and Sue many years later, should move in right next door to John and I in West Boylston.
We were thrilled when we found out. Jack and Sue´s kids and grandkids visited regularly and lovingly, and they were rarely alone. May this great man Rest In Peace.
Mary Griffin
June 15, 2021
Sue, I am so sorry that your Jack has passed, but know that Glenn has most likely seen him and told him of what wonderful place he has come to stay.I know missing him will be hard. You are in my thoughts and prayers. He was a fun and happy person to know. God Bless You Sue.
Love to you. Mary Griffin [50 fun years of bridge ]
Michelle Brown
June 7, 2021
Sue and family,
I always enjoyed running into John at the DAB. I was lucky enough to be hired by him and had a wonderful career in SPED because of him. You were a great team, and I´m sorry to hear he´s passed on.
Sending you lots of love,
Michelle Brown, OT in WPS
Stanley Hilton
June 6, 2021
I would like to offer my condolences to John Simoncini's family and friends. Mr Simoncini was a wonderful educator to impressionable 6th thru 8th graders, the time period in my life that I met him, and the rest of his National Teachers Corps colleagues. The privilege to have interacted with him was a valuable asset to myself and my classmates.
Rest In Peace!
Amy Benoit
June 4, 2021
Dear Jenifer and Gary,
I am very sorry for your loss.
Your dad/grandpa was a great man. I will pray for strength, comfort, and peace for your family.
Paula Cooney
June 4, 2021
Sue, Sending your whole family my sincere sympathy. I was always impressed by his engaging personality and incredible sense of humor, both in and out of work. I know you will have many wonderful memories to carry you forward.
Fondly,
Paula Cooney
Barbara and Skip Dion (Cousin)
June 4, 2021
Sue and family, please accept our sincerest condolences. We were very saddened to here of Jack´s passing. Fond memories of all the Simoncinis. May God bless you all.
claudette moussa
June 4, 2021
My condolences to the family. It is with love that I remember Mr. Simoncini.
Mr. Simoncini gave me Easy to become a teacher in the Worcester Published c Schools, I am forever grateful.
With gratitude
Claudette Moussa
Amy Benoit
June 4, 2021
Dear Simoncini family,
I will always be grateful to Mr Simoncini for giving me my first WPS teaching job (Even though there was a questionable "C-" on my transcript - in a required film/equipment class). I was able to share this gem with him multiple times ... running into him at Val's restaurant, or at DAB, and even in the supermarket. He'd always chuckle and assure me that I deserved my post. I later would have Ryan and John as third graders - a memory I will cherish. My dad, Charlie Favreault, also thought the world of John. In short, Heaven gained a "good one." I am so sorry for your loss.
Heidi Schechter
June 4, 2021
Jen and family, I'm so sorry to hear of your father's passing. May he rest in peace. May your memories of him give you strength and comfort. Sincerely, Heidi Schechter
Linda (Robichaud) Tomaino
June 3, 2021
I loved Mr. Simoncini, my 5th grade teacher! I remember seeing his wife pick him up sometimes after school in a station wagon full of his children. Such a great teacher and man. I always think kindly on my time in his classroom...and, when I became a teacher I told my students some stories about him and how he handled some "lively" classmates of mine. So sorry for your loss.
Robin Hynes
June 3, 2021
Sue .I would like to express my condolences to you and the family on the loss of John. John was such a wonderful person to work for. He had such a great sense of humor. My deepest sympathies are with you at this difficult time.
Ellen and Ed Philbin
June 3, 2021
We were not aware Jack was ill he was ALWAYS so Full of Life and able to tell a story or a joke liken o one else. IT is not at all surprising he was a mentor to so many fine teachers Teachers NEver grow old and they NEVER lose their CLASS ! Jack had Class ! he also had a marvelous sense of humor We were blessed to have known himboth personally and professionally Our sisncere Sympathy to Suzanne to Errol and to their foine family whom Jack often referenced .
Ed and Ellen Philbin
neighbors at Hillside Village and workers for WPS
David and Paula Harrity
June 3, 2021
Sue and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Jack was the best guy ever. I loved working with him at the Worcester Public Schools and on the Worcester Credit Union Board.
May he Rest In Peace
Mike Paciello
June 3, 2021
On behalf of the Columbus Civic Club, especially the Friday night guys, please accept our deepest condolences. For decades, Friday nights were filled with Legendary Card Games, multiple stories and jokes, a few glasses of VO on the rocks and above Jack´s smile and humor. We will miss him dearly. RIP.
Madeline Abood
June 2, 2021
My sincere condolences to Sue and family on the passing of John. He was a genuinely good person with whom I had the pleasure of working at DAB for many years. Rest in peace John.
Judith Russo
June 2, 2021
I knew John many years ago when I became a teacher in the Worcester public schools. A very nice person ..I send my sympathy.
Leone Nello Dell'Olio
June 2, 2021
John 'Jackie" Simoncini livid across from my parents home on Granby Rd. He was a good boy growing up and never gave his parents any "agidit". As an adult he continue to be to be that same "good " guy. No matter where you met him or when you met him. He had that same little smile and very polite manor. I was privileged to see him grow up from that great little boy and into that great man.
Gabrielle Zaleski
June 2, 2021
Sue and family, please accept my condolences at this time of sorrow.
I remember my interview with Jack; he noticed I was nervous, at the end he said "ok, you have the job but you´ll have to clean my house", Jack was one in a million and loved by as many.
With fond memories,
Love, Gabrielle Zaleski
Mary Lou Zamarro
June 2, 2021
To All -
So sorry for your loss.
John gave me my first job with WPS as a substitute teacher back in the day of Prop. 2 1/2. I always admired him. He was a kind man who never forgot his roots, and always had time to stop and talk whenever we saw each other.
John's passing is a great loss to all.
Sandra Alafberg
June 2, 2021
My condolences to Simoncini families. Mr. Simoncini was a great educator. I attended St. Nicholas Ave grammar school. Everyone loved him RIP
Jean Taylor
June 2, 2021
Jack was my first and long lasting supervisor with Title I of Worcester. Much was learned from him and his kindness will be long remembered. My sincerest sympathy to Sue and family.
stephen mills
June 2, 2021
Jack was a wonderful friend and colleague for many years. I will miss his sense of humor and problem solving. Truly a positive force for the Worcester schools for many years.
Rest in peace Jack
Steve Mills
ROBERT D DELLOLIO, Sr.
June 2, 2021
"Jacky", as we called him, was my neighbor, teacher, mentor whenever with the neighborhood kids and a friend.
Sincerest condolences.
Rich Meagher
June 2, 2021
Mr. and Mrs. Simoncini were friends with my parents for 60 years, remaining close since the early days at St. Nicholas Ave Elementary in the 60´s through retirement in West Boylston. My father continued to relish conversations and lunch excursions with Jack until recently. His quick wit, keen insight, and steady presence will be sorely missed.
Cheryl DelSignore
June 2, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of Jack´s passing. He hired me for my first teaching job as a second career, and was such a great mentor and leader. He was always kind and caring and had the best advice. And he was my husband´s baseball coach back in the Adams St days. Thanks for sharing this wonderful man with the WPS and EAW families. He made a positive difference in many lives!!! Rest In Peace Jack.
Sharon (Beaudry) Donahue
June 2, 2021
I look at Jack´s picture and see his Dad, his Mom and all his siblings. Sending my sympathy to you all..Jack was such a good man.
MaryAnn Losapio Aslanian
June 2, 2021
To the Simoncini Family especially to Ruthie whom I knew mostly when we played cards at Rose Rutigliano's house on Prentice Street but I remember the family also when I visited my Aunt and Uncle Ciani on the third floor of Granby Road as a young child. May he rest in peace and my sincere condolence to all.
Sincerely,
MaryAnn (Losapio) Aslanian
Worcester, Ma.
Sharyn Eaton
June 1, 2021
Sue, Jen and family,
So sorry for your loss. John was a great guy with a great wit and a zest for life. May he Rest In Peace.
Ellie Blute
June 1, 2021
Rest In Peace John. I have great memories of our connection in the Title 1 Program. You were always willing to make time for parents.
Bless you!
Ileana Gil and family
June 1, 2021
My sincere and deepest condolences to you all. I have so many fond memories of coming by on Christmas Eve to your Randall St. home and meeting all your relatives. I loved hanging around your wonderful home growing up. Always laughter and lots of food. Your dad was so special became a good friend to my dad. A big hug and kiss . I will always treasure your friendship. Love Ileana Gil ( Morte)
Domenic Palmerino
June 1, 2021
My best memories of Jack was coaching baseball with him. God bless and R.I.P.
Rose Busha
June 1, 2021
My Deepest Sympathy go out to All Johns Family. He was a very special Man. I new him through Title 1. For many years. Rest In Peace John.
Lynne Riley Bombard
June 1, 2021
I remember Mr. Simoncini from so many years ago in 6th grade at St. Nicholas Ave he was one of my favorite teachers, such a nice man ! My deeply sympathy´s to the family!
Pat Clancy
June 1, 2021
God bless Jack and may he Rest In Peace surrounded by angels! He was a great mentor who made work seem like play - a very rare gift! My condolences to Sue and the Simoncini family
Dick and Peggy (Beaudry) Fitzgerald
June 1, 2021
To Sue and your family and to Ruthie and Janyce, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very tough time. We have lost too many of the really good ones in the past few years. With love.
June E. Eressy
June 1, 2021
To The Simoncini Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. I worked in the Worcester Public Schools for over thirty years, and Jack stands out as a kind, compassionate, and down to earth leader. Every time I saw him, he would crack a joke and make me smile. Truly one of the good guys. I am sorry for your loss and will keep you all in my prayers.
Paula Montonari Simoncini
June 1, 2021
My deepest condolences to my husband Michael and the Simoncini family. Jack was the best father-in-law any one could ask for. May his memory be forever eternal rest in eternal peace. Truly loved and missed my heart breaks with your absence.
Lynn Mancini
June 1, 2021
Uncle Jack, you will be missed! You never passed up the opportunity to give a hug, tell a joke or regale us with a good story. May you rest in peace. With much love and heartfelt condolences to all the family, Lynn.
Anne Quinn
June 1, 2021
Sue and family, please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of "one of the best". John was many things to me. Mentor, friend, boss and true confidant. From Worcester to Washington John spent his career advocating for kids and families.I was fortunate to "inherit " his job. Make no mistake no one person could ever fill his shoes R I P Jack
Joan Fitton
June 1, 2021
Jack was a great mentor. He hired me for my first Title I teaching position and 30 years later I found myself in the role he held at that time. Jack was a great storyteller and always had the perfect joke to start a meeting. My thoughts and sympathies go out to all the Simoncini´s who so graciously shared Jack with the WPS.
Tim O'Brien
May 31, 2021
Jack was always a gentleman and a mentor to so many, including me. My condolences to his entire family.
Arthur Bergeron
May 31, 2021
My prayers are with you Sue. Jack was a brilliant and dedicated administrator who was highly thought of by all.
Ruth Rodrguez Fay
May 31, 2021
My deepest condolences to John´s family, he was the person who hired me as the School Community Liaison for the Transitional Bilingual Program. RIP!
Nancy Simoncini Starbird, niece
May 31, 2021
Uncle Jack
Of all the many blessings, however great or small.to have had you for my uncle was truly the greatest one of all!
As our Simoncini Family Chain has lost so many links in the past few years, nothing seems the same
But as God continues to takes us one by one our family chain will Link again.
With all the family hearts that are now breaking for losing you, we will keep those wonderful family memories very close forever and makes us smile.
Tom Kennedy
May 31, 2021
Jack was a wonderful mentor to me at WPS. A great storyteller with a fantastic sense of humor. Sue, my thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
John Mulry
May 31, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. It was an honor to work with Jack. May he rest in peace.
Paula Montonari Simoncini
May 31, 2021
To the Simoncini family my deepest condolences.
To the best father-in-law may your memory be forever eternal. Rest in eternal peace. You will be truly missed.
Paula Montonari Simoncini
May 31, 2021
To the Simoncini family my condolences. To the best father-in-law may your memory be forever eternal, rest in eternal peace. You will be truly missed.
Frank Deignan
May 31, 2021
So sorry to hear this. Jack was a great guy with a great sense of humor. I always liked him.
Donna Contois Mudie
May 31, 2021
Sue, my thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Jack was a special person.
BrianThanas
May 31, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Sue may John Rest In Peace
Peg Bloomfield
May 31, 2021
So sorry Sue and family. John was one of the good guys. Thoughts and prayers going out to. you all. Peg Bloomfield
Mike Ford
May 31, 2021
He was one of the best.
God Bless Jack Simoncini.
Carl gentile
May 30, 2021
R.I.P. MY FRIEND!! Going to miss Saratoga @ all the good times we had with the guys!! Prayers for Jack.
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