My sincere and deepest condolences to Mrs Simonellli and family. Dr  Simonelli was an outstanding scientist, a great teacher and an amazing mentor to many of us. He was very generous and a kind person. He amazed us with his intellect, energy, enthusiasm  and a great sense of humor. It is an honor and privilege to be his student.
May his soul rest in peace.


My sincere condolences to Mrs. Simonelli and her family on this sad occasion. 

I first met Dr. Simonelli at a professional conference in 2006 and was taken by his energy, enthusiasm and generosity. To be able to discuss Pharmaceutics with a renowned scientist was an honor and privilege for me.

Years later a colleague and former student of his told me that he’d retired to North Carolina and we would visit him occasionally, I would marvel at his intellect and energy as we discussed science, current affairs and of course golf.

He captivated me with his recollections and anecdotes of his early life in Bridgeport, his entrepreneurial endeavors and career change to academia. And funny stories of famous professors that he met over his career.

A recurring theme was his desire for excellence and his courage in doing what was right. Whether defending boys at school from bullies, working as a child with his father during the Great Depression, serving in WWII, debating arrogant professors, and educating future pharmacists and scientists.

One time he asked “What should you do if you are driving and see an accident up ahead?” Before I could answer he said “Do not hit your brakes, accelerate to get past the danger quickly.  Always give yourself options!”.
 
Even in his later years he did his best to keep his foot on the gas and keep looking toward the future.
 
 A life well lived and may you Rest in Peace.

This is truly sad news… an inevitable part of life, but sad nonetheless.

I first met Dr. Simonelli as a pharmacy student at UConn in the fall of 1973 and have known him in multiple capacities—in pharmacy school and as an undergraduate who took his famous Kinetics graduate course; as his graduate student some years later (he was also my then-wife’s PhD. adviser); as a junior faculty colleague at Long Island University (LIU), as a philosophical compadre and golfing partner from time to time, and as a friend who I valued and respected despite miles of distance.  

Dr. Simonelli lived a long, full life and did so on his terms. In addition to loving his family, many will note that Dr. Simonelli was an outstanding scientist and educator. But his legacy goes far beyond that… he created opportunities for many of us who owe the very starts of our careers to him. (That goes double for me … once just to get into graduate school, and again to have an opportunity to go into academia at LIU.)  

He was always one to challenge the status quo and push back against rules or norms that made no sense to him, whether scientific or administrative (or golf). As I look back at the impact he had on me, some thoughts are top of mind. First, Dr. Simonelli embraced my own contrarian nature and showed me how to channel it productively. Second, he showed me that people can limit themselves… if you are not timid about attempting “impossible” objectives then you will probably achieve them. Third, the mark of you as a person is not how you treat those above you but how you treat those coming up. And, finally, be serious about what you do, but go about it with a good nature and a sense of humor.  

When I think of Anthony P. Simonelli, I smile and sometimes chuckle at some of our crazy conversations and stories about him. When the memory of someone makes you smile, what legacy could be better? 

I wish Mrs. Simonelli and her family peace. 

Bob Bellantone


So very saddened to read the news of Dr Simonelli’s passing.  He was a gentleman, a pharmaceutical scholar, a teacher, a mentor and a deeply kind & generous human being.  Will forever remember his lectures  at LIU, and the that he started the PhD program there, which enabled many of us (including  myself) to continue our graduate studies part time.  Dr Simonelli had time for everyone of his students and always had an encouraging word and limitless energy and optimism, all characteristics that  will  remain as memories and life lessons. My deepest condolences to Joan and family; may he rest in peace.  

My deepest condolences to Mrs. Simonelli and the Simonelli family on the passing of Dr. Simonelli.

I first met him in August of 1986 when I first arrived in the U.S. to start my graduate studies at the University of Connecticut.   While discussing my academic schedule I had the feeling I’d seen him before.   I suddenly realized that I was remembering the move “The Godfather” and he reminded me of Marlon Brando’s title character!  Like “The Godfather”,  he was soft-spoken but projected a great authority.  He was kind but could be stern when he felt it was necessary.  A few months later when I told him this he laughed heartily revealed his wonderful sense of humor.

He was of course a great scientist and teacher who established Ph.D. program at both the Medical College of Virginia and Long Island University at 20th century.

He will be remembered as one of the pioneers of Pharmaceutics and his legacy will continue through the lineage of his students.

He lived a long and amazing life and was always glad to share from a seemingly endless stream of stories.   He could speak for hours about his early life as a businessman,  a soldier in WWII,  his early challenges in academic,  and finally his long and successful career as a scientist and professor.

I believe I was blessed by God to have been mentored by Dr. Simonelli.  Many times as a student I was frustrated and considered leaving University and returning to Taiwan.    He would talk with me until I agreed to continue my studies.  Sometimes holding me in his office until I agreed just I could leave.

His physical and mental stamina was second to none and his spirit and good nature persisted throughout his life.  He would often tell me to see at the “big picture”.   “Do not concentrate on the individual battles”,  (he said)  “just win the war.”   Most of all he taught me how to learn, to reason, and to have confidence in my conclusions.   Thank you, Dr. Simonelli and may you rest in peace.

My deepest and sincere condolences to Mrs. Simonelli and her family. I am one of his very proud and fortunate students from the Long Island University. Dr. Simonelli made a very strong impact during my graduate studies, research and my professional career. He always had a smiling face in our class and I loved his humors. His teaching techniques were unique. His contribution to pharmaceutical science is enormous. He will live in our heart forever. 
Rest in peace, Dr. Simonelli.





I am incredibly sorry for your
Loss. Sending you and your family an abundance of strength, prayers and love during this time. In Judaism we say, May their memory be a blessing ♥️ 

With caring thoughts, 
Carol Dodson

Dear Joan and Family, 
I am so fortunate to have had an opportunity to work under  Dr Simonelli’s  guidance and support. Besides the scientific advice, on numerous occasions he took time away from his family to attend to the issues faced by international students - and for that I am indebted to him and all of you.  He has left an indelible mark on the life of every individual he came in contact with.  His legacy will live forever and  the contributions he made to our lives will live in  our hearts forever. 
Our deepest condolences to the family. 
Harpreet 
Harpreet

My deepest condolences to Mrs. Simonelli and her family on the passing of Dr. Simonelli.  Words can not express how much I appreciate the tremdnous impact he had on my life since the first time I walked into his office at UCONN in 1987. He was a brilliant scientist, mentor, and role model for me and countless others. More importantly, he was kind, generous, and caring. I treasure all the discussions we had over the many years we were together at LIU. He is one of the greatest people I have ever known . Rest in Peace, Dr. Simonelli and thank you for all you did for me. 

OBITUARY

Anthony Peter "Tony" Simonelli

June 28, 1924 – July 14, 2023

Peacock, Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service

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