Edward R. Simonovich, 84, of Newtown, peacefully passed away on March 30, 2026 at his home in Sandy Hook, lovingly taken care of by his wife Peg and surrounded by his cherished family.

Ed was born September 29, 1941, in Norwalk, to Frances and Edward Simonovich. He is survived by his wife Margaret (Peg) Dybicz Simonovich. They had a wonderful marriage of 59 years this month. He is also survived by his daughter, Laura Smith, her husband Patrick Smith, and their children Brendan, Connor and Deirdre of Newtown; and daughter Susan DaCosta, her partner Ron Brandolini, and her daughter Lauren of Framingham, Massachusetts.

Ed attended Norwalk High School, graduating in 1960. Soon after graduation, he proudly served in the US Army and National Guard Reserve, where he began his career in photography. For 28 years he worked as a commercial/industrial photographer for Perkin Elmer Corp at their Main Avenue and Wilton locations. In addition, Ed worked for Warren Joli Studios of Danbury, photographing countless weddings, family portraits, and events. He was perfectly suited to capture these milestone moments in people’s lives with patience, caring, and humor. He was always ready to break the tension with a smile or a joke. In 2005, Ed joined the loss prevention team at Stew Leonard’s in Danbury. Again, he was perfectly suited to this job working with people. He was a welcome smile and warmly greeted all who entered those doors for 13 years. He loved the job, the people, and certainly the food samples.

Always active, Ed began running in his forties. He loved participating in races from local turkey trots and the Falmouth Road Race to marathons including the New York Marathon (2x), Stamford Marathon, and many more half marathons and 10K races. He was a member of the Bethel Bananas and other local running clubs and volunteered for multiple years at the Boston Marathon starting line in Hopkinton, Mass. When he retired his running shoes, he replaced them with hiking boots and spin shoes. Ed could be found on most days working out at Newtown Youth Academy (NYA) and hiking the local trails, especially at the Audubon Center Bent of the River in Southbury.

Ed will be remembered for his kindness, warmth, and quiet generosity of spirit. Whether through his work, his service, his commitment to staying active, or the way he connected effortlessly with people, he brought care and humor to everything he did. His love for his family, his community, and life’s simple joys leaves a lasting legacy in the hearts of all who knew him.

Calling hours will be held at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street in Newtown, on Monday, April 6, from 5 to 7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road in Newtown, on Tuesday, April 7, at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (pulmonaryfibrosis.org).