Panagiotis “Pete” Simoulidis of Monroe, the beloved and devoted husband of Heather and father of Chris and Alex, passed away on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. He touched the hearts of all who knew him and while his departure leaves an immense void in our lives, we find solace in the memories of Pete’s beautiful soul.
Born on October 27, 1978, in Veria, Greece to Christos and Despina, and raised in Norwalk, Pete lived with compassion and love. He was larger than life and his enormous heart matched his stature. He had a radiant smile that made everyone around him smile, was a great listener and gave the best, honest advice.
His presence brought joy to countless lives and created an everlasting impact on all those fortunate enough to have crossed his path.
Each summer during his childhood, he returned to Greece to be with his family and was immensely proud of his heritage. He was blessed to be part of a large, close-knit family and some of his favorite times were spent reminiscing and telling stories around a table full of food — where he was never shy about multiple helpings.
He was a dedicated son and brother and made every member of both his and Heather’s extended families feel loved and grateful to know him. Pete had a special bond with all the children of the family — the biggest family member always laughing alongside the littlest. He was also a wonderful friend to so many and was always the life of the party. He could be called upon to help anyone at a moment’s notice and did so with his enormous smile.
Since childhood, everyone knew of Pete’s passion for basketball. He had the opportunity to play in Greece, and later his love of the game translated into his love of coaching. He adored coaching his sons, and happily shared his passion and skills as a mentor in youth sports.
Pete excelled not only in his new career of teaching, but also in uplifting others. He dedicated his talents and time to helping everyone around him. He touched lives through his work and coaching, leaving a legacy of compassion, integrity, and excellence.
A die-hard Patriots fan, he raised his boys to be equally as obsessed. He would never miss watching a game with Chris and Alex, remembering to always have the chips, cheese, and salsa — but only ever making wings for the playoffs.
Above all, Pete’s greatest pride and joy were his wife and two sons. He was their protector and did everything in his power to make them happy and feel loved. Chris and Alex deeply cherished and respected their father and often referred to him as the GOAT. He was truly the most admirable person in their eyes. Heather and Pete were soulmates and shared a love that was immeasurable.
In addition to Heather, Chris and Alex, Pete is survived by his loving parents Christos and Despina, brother Nikolaos and his children Christos, Michail, and Nikitas; sister Irini Gkiaourakis and her husband Nikolaos, and their children, Elisavet, Despina, and Yianni; sister Martha; mother-in-law Jane Tuttle Bissonnette; brother-in-law Mark Bissonnette and his wife Yiota, and their children Lilliana, Panayioti, and Victoria.
In addition, he is survived by countless aunts, uncles, cousins, friends who became family, and his faithful buddy Kirby.
The family will be receiving visitors on Sunday, July 16, 2023, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home in Monroe. Religious services will be held on Monday, July 17, 2023, at 10 a.m. at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Norwalk, with an in-church public visitation beginning at 9 a.m. Burial to follow at St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Monroe.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Monroe Board of Education, 375 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT, 06468, memo Pete Simoulidis Scholarship Fund, which will benefit a graduating basketball player who exemplifies the same leadership and kindness as Pete.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at spadaccinofuneralhome.
All respectful comments with the commenter’s first and last name are welcome.
