Roger Simonis

Roger Simonis, (91) of Waterbury, CT passed away on June 12, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, especially these last few months. He was born in Defiance, Ohio, on February 5, 1933, to Mable (decd. 2/5/33) and Joe Sponsler, and was adopted at birth by Madonna and George Simonis. Roger is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Roselaine (Terni), two daughters Lisa (Denis) O’Connor and Elaine Schlupp, three grandchildren with Jim Schlupp — Kevin (Becky), Christina (Christopher) Camera, Heidi Schlupp — two great-grandchild, and nieces and nephews. Roger had four adopted siblings, as well as brothers and half-siblings.

Roger graduated Defiance High School in 1951 and joined the U.S. Navy in 1952. After military service, he was employed by Mars Inc. An entrepreneur at heart, in 1965 Roger started his own successful wholesale toy, novelty, and candy business in the greater New York City area, and worked until age 80. 

In his younger years, Roger was an accomplished ballroom dancer; he and his wife met at Lake Compounce’s Starlite Ballroom. They belonged to the ChaRumbo Dance Club and joined Elks Lodge 756 in New Rochelle, New York, where Roger held the office of Esquire. He was a wonderful husband and father, and frequently took the family to operas, symphonies, concerts, and museums in New York. Roger had a great sense of humor, was an avid reader and 1930’s/1940’s record collector, and he was always composing love letters to his wife. 

God bless the earthly angels who helped in his final days. May heavenly choirs of angels welcome you to eternal rest, Dad.