John Joseph Simonelli

John J. Simonelli, 71, a lifelong resident of East Rutherford, passed away on October 29, 2025. John was a graduate of St. Joseph’s Grammar School, Bergen Catholic High School, Rutgers University, and Seton Hall Law School.

As a youth, John had a passionate interest in the Space Program and once received a call from NASA thanking him for his suggestion on how to save future Astronaut lives in the wake of the Apollo 1 tragedy. During high school, John served as president of the St. Joe’s CYO and ran many successful dances and glass recycling drives. In 1972, when Hurricane Agnes caused major flooding in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, John, then a young adult, played a major role in St. Joseph’s relief effort delivering clothing, food, blankets, and medical supplies to the stricken area. In later years, John served as an EMT volunteer with the Carlstadt Ambulance Corp. He was a lifelong, ardent fan of the New York Mets, New York Jets, and good music.

John was predeceased by his parents, Deacon Nicholas and Phyllis Simonelli. He is survived by his siblings Nicholas Simonelli and his wife Suzanne, Regina Carmel, and Eugene Simonelli; his nieces and nephews Peter Fay, Nicole Simonelli, Jackie Picazo, Laura Braeutigam, Andrew Simonelli, Michael Simonelli, Sheri Tellone, and Stacy Tellone; and his good friends Mark DeFrino, Aldo Freda, and Bill Trotter. Known especially for his sharp intellect, fierce loyalty, consistent generosity, steadfast faith, and gentle, caring heart, he will be sorely missed by his beloved family and friends.

Funeral arrangements will be conducted by the Kimak Funeral Home, 425 Broad Street, Carlstadt, NJ 07072. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 7:00 PM on Sunday, November 2. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, November 3 at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 120 Hoboken Road, East Rutherford, NJ 07073, at 10:00 AM. Entombment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, 340 Ridge Road, North Arlington, NJ 07031.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish to express sympathy consider making a donation in John’s honor to the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers at: https://catholicmhm.org/.

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