East Brookfield:
Dr. Leonard A. Simonelli, O.D., 94 yrs. old, formerly of 100 Connie Mack Drive, passed away peacefully at UMASS Marlborough Hospital on Wednesday, June 2nd.
He was the husband of Jean R. (Cahill) Simonelli who died in 2014. He leaves his son Michael L. Simonelli and his wife Colleen of Shrewsbury, his daughters Kathleen A. Simonelli of Worcester and Cara M. Johnson and her husband David of Northborough, his grandchildren; Michael Simonelli, Gianna Simonelli, David Consiglio and his wife Juliane Sousa, Anthony Consiglio, Kylie Giarrusso and her husband Steven, Taylor Johnson and her fiancé Michael Mandrioli, and great grandson; Jack Giarrusso, many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his son David W. Simonelli in 1983 his brothers; Vincent, Stephano, Edwardo, Guido, and Henry Simonelli and sisters; Anna Loconto and Irene Lowe.
Leo was a local Optometrist in Spencer for more than 60 years, prior to his retirement. He was born in Southbridge, the son of Italian immigrants Ettore and Theresa (Spinelli) Simonelli. He attended St. Mary’s H.S. in Southbridge and then attended Penn. State School of Optometry class of 1948. While at Penn State he was a member of Phi Theta Epsilon Fraternity and finished his doctorate on an accelerated program. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Church, the American Optometric Assoc., and an Honorary Life Member of the Spencer Exchange Club. He was a longtime benefactor for eyeglasses and eye exams for the monks at St. Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer. He was an Honorary Member of the New England College of Optometry Alumni Assoc. in Boston. He once served on the E. Brookfield Board of Health and was a Library Trustee. He was a former Corporator of the Spencer Savings Bank. Leo donated his Optometric Equipment to the MCPH University Optometry School where it is now on display.
Leo met the love of his life Jean in Southbridge at a local dance. This sparked a 61-year romance and marriage. Together they raised a family of four and persevered through the loss of their oldest child. Leo will always be remembered for his love of entertaining family and friends. He especially enjoyed going out with Jean and their large circle of friends every Saturday night for dinner and dancing. Leo liked to live by one simple motto of Family, Faith, and Friends and he was considered a friend by many. Being a kind, devoted husband, and dependable father was of the utmost importance to Leo and he certainly did not disappoint when it came to wholeheartedly loving his immediate and extended family.
Leo’s funeral will be held on Tuesday, June 8 from the J.HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer with a Funeral Mass at 10 am.in St. John the Baptist Church, No.Brookfield Rd., E.Brookfield. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, E.Brookfield. Calling hours are Monday, June 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Dr. Leonard A. Simonelli Memorial Scholarship c/o David Prouty H.S. Permanent Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 172, Spencer, MA 01562.