Frank R. Simoni, a prolific real estate developer, military veteran, philanthropist, and lifelong community figure whose prominent projects helped shape the commercial and residential landscape along Route 1 and throughout Norwood and Canton, died Saturday at New England Sinai Hospital and Rehabilitation Center in Stoughton after a brief illness. He was 80 years old.
A Legacy of Development and Real Estate
A native of Norwood and a graduate of Norwood High School, Mr. Simoni left an indelible mark on the region through major commercial and residential developments. Among his notable projects were the Cobb Corner Shopping Center, the Ramada Inn and Resort on Route 1 in Norwood, Spaghetti Freddies and Franco’s restaurants on Route 1, and several local office buildings.
An avid golfer who took up the game at age 47 and competed in area leagues, Simoni combined his passion for the sport with development by building two local golf courses: the Brookmeadow Country Club and the Norwood Country Club on Route 1.
Military Service and Civic Contributions
During World War II, Simoni served in the Army Air Corps as a flying cadet, graduating in electronics engineering as a first lieutenant. He later served an additional year during the Korean War as an electronic instructor.
Deeply committed to honoring fellow veterans, Simoni conceived and designed the veterans monument in Norwood, personally naming the central statue the “Protectors of the American Way.”
In 1992, Mr. Simoni and his wife established the Frank R. and Elizabeth Simoni Foundation, providing vital financial support to local educational, medical, and social programs. He was also a lifetime member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, the American Legion Post in Norwood, and the Norwood Elks Lodge.
Family and Funeral Arrangements
Mr. Simoni is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Coletti) Simoni; a daughter, Lee S. Grant of Norwood; a stepson, Victor Coletti of Medfield; a stepdaughter, Ann MacDonald of Canton; a brother, Arthur Simoni of Falmouth; an uncle, John Simoni of Taos, N.M.; and eight grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, the late Myrtle (Lund) Simoni.
Visiting hours will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Dockray and Thomas Funeral Home, 455 Washington St. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at St. John the Evangelist Church, followed by burial in Pine Hill Cemetery in Quincy.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More In Memoriam Stories
-
Jack P. Welch, Local Newsman, Dies Suddenly-July 28, 1955
John P. (Jack) Welch, owner of Welch’s Newsstand in Norwood for over 40 years, passed away at Barnstable Hospital at age 80.
-
In Memoriam-Louis F. Parker
LOUIS F. PARKER The townspeople were saddened on the afternoon of March 10, 1953 when they learned of the sudden death of Deputy Chief Louis F. Parker. He died in the performance of his duties. Louis F. Parker was born in Norwood October 16, 1895, appointed to the Fire Department May 16, 1926 and promoted…
-
Last Tribute Paid To R. Russell Williamson-This Day in Norwood History-June 5, 1950
June 5, 1950- Last Tribute Paid To R. Russell Williamson Prominent Citizen, Banker, Businessman And Churchman, Dies Here At Age of 71
-
Herbert M. Plimpton, Founder of The Plimpton Press, Dies at 89-This Day In Norwood History-April 30, 1948
The passing of Herbert Moseley Plimpton marked the close of one of Norwood’s most distinguished industrial chapters. Founder of The Plimpton Press and Holliston Mills, Plimpton’s life embodied the ideals of craftsmanship, civic generosity, and faith that shaped Norwood’s rise as a center of printing and enterprise. Born in Walpole on May 13, 1853, Plimpton…
-
In Memoriam-Charles “Nubby” Donnell-April 1, 1947
April 1, 1947-Charles Donnell Succumbs At 61 Whole Town Mourns Death Of Popular Police Officer Charles R. “Nubby’ Donnell passed away Tuesday after noon at the Norwood Hospital The bitter news, anxiously dreaded since last Friday morning when he was stricken with a serious illness, passed around town with the speed of a Presidential death…
-
In Memoriam-Jane Atherton Hewitt
Miss Jane A. Hewett died on February 28, 1947. Miss Hewett was born in Canton, from whence she came to be the Librarian of the Morrill Memorial Library, Norwood, on the day the present building was opened in 1898. She filled this position until her retirement in 1939; and following that, she was Librarian Emérita…
-
Last Tribute Paid To Dr. Frederick Albert Cleveland-This Day in Norwood History-February 1, 1947
One of Norwood’s most distinguished citizens, Dr. Frederick Albert Cleveland, P.H.B., P.H.D., passed away at 2:10 o’clock Saturday morning at the Norwood Hospital. He was in his 81st year. Friends and townsmen appreciative of Dr. Cleveland’s work in this community paid tribute to his memory at services held Monday afternoon at 3 o’clock at the…
-
Leighton S. Thompson Norwood High School Superintendent Dies After Brief Illness-This Day In Norwood History-March 11, 1946
Leighton S. Thompson, 57, of 75 Day St., principal of the Norwood High School and a trustee of the Morrill Memorial Library, died today at the Norwood Hospital following brief illness. Prior to his present post, which he held for the past 10 years, Thompson had been principal of the Foxboro, Swampscott, Methuen and Gardner…
-
In Memoriam-Jerome A Pendergast-May 15, 1933
May 15, 1933- Jerome A Pendergast, 28-year-old son of Town Clerk and Mrs. James E. Fendergast of 30 Pleasant St, died this morning at his home…
-
Norwood Police Chief Harry W. Swift Passes Away at Age 45-September 24, 1921
Norwood businesses close and hundreds mourn as police chiefs from across the region gather for the funeral of late Police Chief Harry W. Swift.
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.