Robert P. Simoncini

SHREWSBURY, MA - Robert P. Simoncini, 92, of Shrewsbury, died of natural causes at home while in hospice care on Tuesday, June 30, 2020. His wife of 69 years, Jane M. (Cote) Simoncini, died June 24, 2019.

He leaves a daughter, Nancy Starbird and her husband Peter of Rochdale, two sons, Alan R. Simoncini and his wife Suzanne Rice Simoncini of Worcester, and Mark S. Simoncini and his wife Brenda of Blackstone; seven grandchildren, Paige Dauderis and her husband Keith of Gardner, Abigail Pomerleau and her husband Edward of Eliot, Maine, Daniel Simoncini of Northampton, Elena Buckley and her husband Ryan of Rochester, MA, Laura Simoncini and her fiancé Mark Zuravel of North Easton, Brianna Norton and her husband Patrick of Blackstone,  Talia Simoncini of Blackstone and her boyfriend Coby Mercier of Marion.  Robert cherished his grandchildren and was affectionately known as “Big Papa” to his three young great-grandsons, which he adored; Caden, PJ and Cole.

Bob leaves behind a brother, John “Jack” Simoncini and his wife Suzanne of West Boylston; two sisters, Janyce A. Safford of Shrewsbury, and Ruth Cangello, also of Shrewsbury; a brother-in-law, Louis Cote and his wife Jeanne of Worcester.

He was predeceased by a younger brother Donald, who died in 1936, a brother and sister-in-law, Edward J. Simoncini and his wife Barbara, a sister Geraldine V. Simoncini, and two brothers-in-law, Leo P. Cangello and Warren A. Safford. He also leaves many nieces and nephews whom he was fond of.

Robert was born in Worcester, son of John B. and Margaret H. (Donahue) Simoncini. He had lived and raised his family in Worcester and in later years moved to Shrewsbury.

Bob was Vice President of Sales at the former Dana Films in Westborough, MA for 33 years. Prior to that Robert worked in the plastics industry at the former Hobbs Manufacturing company as sales manager, selling extrusion machinery.

Bob’s dedication and leadership to his employees at Dana Films was unprecedented, where he worked until his retirement at the age of 83.

Bob was especially devoted to his family, his faith and his friends.

He was a founding member of the Columbus Civic Association of Worcester. Up to the age of 92, Bob would still go to the “club”, as the association was affectionately known, and play cards with his two special card playing buddies, Carl and Richie.

Bob was a quiet gentleman who throughout his lifetime gave but never expected anything in return.

Bob’s family would like to especially thank the staff at Compassus Hospice and Palliative Care, and for the wonderful care he received from the home health aides provided to him by Bayada and Worcester Home Care.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Turnpike.

Abiding by Bob’s wishes, there will be no calling hours and his burial private.  Arrangements are in the care of Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Ave, Worcester.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Compassus Hospice and Palliative Care, 15 Midstate Drive, Auburn, MA 01501.