Gregory Paul Simonton age 79 of Monroe, passed away Saturday, November 15, 2025 at the University of Michigan Hospital Ann Arbor.
Paul and his twin brother Aaron were born September 14, 1946 in Bradford, England the sons of Aaron Brand and Angela Augusta Kavanagh Simonton. Paul grew up near the Everglades in Hialeah, Florida. He earned a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice and a BA in Social Work from Nova Southeastern University. Paul enlisted in the US Air Force during the Vietnam era.
He served as the Chief Probation Officer for the Monroe County First District Court until his retirement in 2010. His love of community, and his belief in helping people build better lives, were the driving forces in his life. He was instrumental in developing multiple programs, including the JAWS Program which provided parolees with support and direction, as well as the Diversion Alternatives Program which assisted individuals facing issues with addiction. He also served as a board member for the Monroe County Commission on Aging.
Paul was instrumental in the continued development of the Saint Mary Organic Garden on the IHM property where he helped manage the garden area and supervised projects which benefited the garden as well as the community.
Paul was a great artist. He enjoyed drawing and loved to make personalized cards for his family and friends. Paul was also very musical. He played the harmonica and sang with his brothers. He was an avid reader who finished several books a week. He was a talented chef who took pride in creating excellent meals which he enjoyed sharing with his family and friends.
Paul is survived by his wife of 43 years, Jeanne Simonton, two sons Dak Simonton, and Tony (Noah Wolinski) Simonton, three siblings; Pamela Simonton, Kim (Christopher) Roberts and Cameron (Devon Youngman) Simonton, two grandchildren, Justin, and Megan Simonton.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, his daughter-in-law, Jennifer Simonton, and four brothers: Aaron, Stephen, Keith, and Sean Simonton.
Visitation will be held Monday, November 24, 2025 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe. He will lie instate at 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at St. Mary Church 127 N. Monroe St, Monroe, with Mass of the Resurrection at 11 a.m. Rev. Fr. Michael Anagbogu officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Monroe.
Memorial contributions may be made to the IHM Retirement Fund, the Monroe Senior Citizen Center or BCAN to support bladder cancer research. Online condolences and shared memories can be offered to the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com