Atty. Peter P. Simoni, 94, of Aliquippa, passed away on September 21st, 2025, at Heritage Valley Sewickley. He was born on November 27th, 1930, the youngest child of the late Luigi and Valterina (Refice) Simoni. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings: Albert (Bea) Simoni, Maria Simoni, Tillie (Slim) Morelli, Relly Simoni, Anthony (Sarah) Simoni, Ann Simoni, Joseph (Liz) Simoni and Mario Simoni.
Precocious and bright, Peter would often tag along with his older brothers to the library, reading as many books as he could. In addition to crediting the support of his family, Pete attributed his early success to his Principal Elizabeth Skeehan and later to teacher Caroline Theil. One of “The ’49’er’s”, he excelled both in and out of the classroom, graduating second in his high school class. He also played on the football team and was Sports Editor of the Quip Script. In years to follow he was often the Master of Ceremonies at many of the 1949 reunions. Peter was a 1953 honors graduate of Duquesne University who was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and served his country in the United States Army. Stationed at Fort Sill in Oklahoma, he coached the base football team to attain championship status. Returning to Aliquippa, Pete obtained his Juris Doctorate at the University of Pittsburgh in 1958. He was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 1959 and was elected to or asked to take part in many Pennsylvania Legislative and Democratic committees. He was proud to be a lifelong Democrat. In private practice, he would serve the community as Solicitor of the Aliquippa School Board, and as an Assistant District Attorney of Beaver County. He kept his Practice of Law for fifty years. His Italian heritage was center to his family life. He and his secretary, his sister, Ann, served many Italian families with legal matters in both Italy and the US. Honoring his roots and his Patrican parents, from his First Holy Communion to this year, Pete participated in eighty-three San Rocco Celebrations and processions. Along with other family members, he was a San Rocco statue carrier and later served as Parade Marshall. Growing up on Plan 7, all the Simoni children worked in the family store, “The League of Nations,” as he called it. Plan 7 instilled in him a great sense of community. Throughout the years, he belonged to many local clubs and community organizations and had the innate ability to bring people together. Peter always helped others, whether it was writing a school recommendation, finding someone a job, or providing legal assistance, he was always there. When neighbors threatened to put a stop to the San Rocco fireworks, Pete, then School Solicitor arranged for the fireworks to be set off from the football field. He was a devoted Aliquippa fan and lifelong sports enthusiast who announced High School games for WMBA. He was dear to the kids in the community as “Playground Pete”. He would play 5 on 5 with high school and college hoopsters with players from surrounding towns coming to Laughlin School for a game. He was not only a sports enthusiast because he loved history, good movies, Opera and the Broadway stage. His many trips to New York were among his fondest memories. From “Turandot” to “Barefoot in the Park”, he knew the actors, the performance and the theatre staging each production. His collection of movies is endless. Throughout the years, he remained engaged in current events and politics, relishing news from friends and associates, especially from longtime friend, Sharon Danovich Lupone and her husband, John. He remained interested in Quip basketball and football scores, and was kept informed of Beaver County’s news and events through Sharon’s faithful daily phone calls.
Friends and family will be received for a visitation on Wednesday, September 24th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the ANTHONY MASTROFRANCESCO FUNERAL HOME INC., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of his arrangements and where departing prayers will begin on Thursday, September 25th at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Titus Roman Catholic Church, 952 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa, which is where he was both a lifetime member and served as an usher. He will be laid to rest at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa, immediately following the service.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Atty. Peter P. Simoni please click here to visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony MastroFrancesco Funeral Home, Inc.