Michael L. Simonelli

Michael L. Simonelli, age 96, a resident of Brightview Senior Living in Wakefield, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

Mike was born in Lawrence, MA on December 23, 1928, one of two sons of Italian immigrants-- the late Michael and Catherine Simonelli. He was married on April 8, 1956 to his beloved wife Mary, 55 years and they settled in Melrose to raise a family of two children.

Shortly after moving to Melrose, Mike opened Mike's Barber Shop at 419 Main Street in Melrose. With his understated selfless way, Mike walked to the Barber Shop each day, opening extra early for customers who had to catch a train to get to work and often stayed open late for some. Customers enjoyed walk-in service and were happy to wait while listening to a Red Sox game on the radio or getting a shoe shine. Thousands of children had their first haircut by Mike. With a gentle spirit and friendly demeanor, Mike's Barber Shop amassed a loyal following through nearly six decades. In 2018, he "retired," but was soon recruited by Plaza Barber Shop where he continued cutting hair until the onset of the pandemic in 2020 which forced a 2nd retirement. In his third "retirement, " Mike's talents were recognized at his residence at Brightview and he was hired as the barber giving weekly haircuts to the male residents until age 94.

In his time outside of work, Mike loved spending time with his family, playing and teaching the game of chess, sharing books with his friends, watching Patriots and Red Sox games, and enjoying his new found relationships at Brightview.

Mike was the beloved husband of the late Mary T. (Cali) Simonelli with whom he shared 55 years of marriage. Devoted father of Catherine "Cathy" Franklin and her husband, William, "Bill" Franklin of Ashland, NH and the late Michael J. Simonelli of Beverly, MA, dear brother-in-law of the Honorable Jacqueline "Jackie" A. Pitts of Portsmouth, NH, and cherished grandfather of Alicia Franklin of Somersworth, NH and Andrew Franklin of Jay, VT. Mike is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends will gather in honor of Mike's life during Visiting Hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St, Melrose on Thursday, May 8 from 3-7pm, and again on Friday, May 9 at 10:30am before leaving in procession to St. Mary's Church, Herbert St., Melrose for his Funeral Mass at 11:30am. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.