1918
Andrew
2013
Andrew Ernest Simoni
November 7, 1918 — March 31, 2013
SIMONI - Andrew Ernest, 94, business owner, musician, world traveler, astronomer and horticulturalist, passed away on March 31 in Dallas, Texas, after a long, accomplished and vital life and a brief recent illness.
Andrew was born in Wellesley, Massachusetts, on November 7, 1918, and was the eldest of ten children. His family moved to the Boston area and established Simonis Flowers, and Andrew over his entire career was instrumental in its long-term growth and reputation as a leading floral provider in retail and commercial lines.
Shortly after World War II, while traveling in France, Andrew met and fell in love with Norma Mundell of Middlesbrough England. They married on January 31, 1952, and were together for 55 years until her passing in November 2007.
Despite the long hours and daily demands of the prominent family business, Andrew engaged in many interests and hobbies. With Norma, he joined the North American Lily Society, in 1955, and over many years served as director, and chaired several committees. He hybridized his own lilies and is recognized for his achievements in trade journals.
As a young man, Andrew met Russell Porter, explorer, engineer and founder of amateur telescope making, which led to a lifetime membership and engagement with Stellafane, an astronomy organization in Springfield, Vermont.
He studied bassoon with the Boston Symphony and performed classical pieces at the small symphony level, and he also made his own Italian wine. He was a longtime member of Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts.
An avid traveler, Andrew journeyed to many exotic locales including Bhutan, China, France, New Zealand, Australia, Machu Picchu, South Georgia and the Galapagos. In his 80s, he viewed the Nazca Lines in Peru from a small aircraft, and at 91, he was believed to be the oldest man to visit the Antarctic Continent.
Andrew is survived by son, Steven A. Simoni, of Dallas, TX, and Hog Island off Bristol, RI, and his wife Terri, and was very proud of granddaughters Diane Simoni of Dallas, and Stephanie Simoni of New Haven, CT. His sister, Marge Simoni, of Norwood, MA, and many dear family members and good friends from around the world will miss him. Son Neil E. Simoni, of Medfield, MA, and grandchildren Ian, Elsbeth and Andrea Simoni, also survive him.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours in the Holden, Dunn and Lawler Funeral Home, 55 High Rock St. (off Route 109) Westwood on Thursday April 4th from 4-8pm. A Funeral Service will be celebrated on Friday morning April 5th at 10am in The First Parish of Westwood United Church, 340 Clapboardtree St., Westwood. Interment at New Westwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to The Andrew and Norma Simoni Scholarship Fund, c/o Attorney James Brady, 1068 Main St. Walpole, MA 02081.
Holden-Dunn-Lawler
www.hdlfuneralhome.net
Andrew was born in Wellesley, Massachusetts, on November 7, 1918, and was the eldest of ten children. His family moved to the Boston area and established Simonis Flowers, and Andrew over his entire career was instrumental in its long-term growth and reputation as a leading floral provider in retail and commercial lines.
Shortly after World War II, while traveling in France, Andrew met and fell in love with Norma Mundell of Middlesbrough England. They married on January 31, 1952, and were together for 55 years until her passing in November 2007.
Despite the long hours and daily demands of the prominent family business, Andrew engaged in many interests and hobbies. With Norma, he joined the North American Lily Society, in 1955, and over many years served as director, and chaired several committees. He hybridized his own lilies and is recognized for his achievements in trade journals.
As a young man, Andrew met Russell Porter, explorer, engineer and founder of amateur telescope making, which led to a lifetime membership and engagement with Stellafane, an astronomy organization in Springfield, Vermont.
He studied bassoon with the Boston Symphony and performed classical pieces at the small symphony level, and he also made his own Italian wine. He was a longtime member of Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts.
An avid traveler, Andrew journeyed to many exotic locales including Bhutan, China, France, New Zealand, Australia, Machu Picchu, South Georgia and the Galapagos. In his 80s, he viewed the Nazca Lines in Peru from a small aircraft, and at 91, he was believed to be the oldest man to visit the Antarctic Continent.
Andrew is survived by son, Steven A. Simoni, of Dallas, TX, and Hog Island off Bristol, RI, and his wife Terri, and was very proud of granddaughters Diane Simoni of Dallas, and Stephanie Simoni of New Haven, CT. His sister, Marge Simoni, of Norwood, MA, and many dear family members and good friends from around the world will miss him. Son Neil E. Simoni, of Medfield, MA, and grandchildren Ian, Elsbeth and Andrea Simoni, also survive him.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours in the Holden, Dunn and Lawler Funeral Home, 55 High Rock St. (off Route 109) Westwood on Thursday April 4th from 4-8pm. A Funeral Service will be celebrated on Friday morning April 5th at 10am in The First Parish of Westwood United Church, 340 Clapboardtree St., Westwood. Interment at New Westwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to The Andrew and Norma Simoni Scholarship Fund, c/o Attorney James Brady, 1068 Main St. Walpole, MA 02081.
Holden-Dunn-Lawler
www.hdlfuneralhome.net
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Andrew Ernest Simoni, please visit our flower store.
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