William Simoson

William E. Simoson, 76, of Shiloh, IL, born Sunday, March 20, 1949, in Jackson Heights, NY, passed away Thursday, September 4, 2025, at his residence in Shiloh, IL.

William worked as an attorney for PepsiCo. He loved to golf and loved the New York Yankees and New York Giants. He was a graduate of Plattsburgh State University of New York, and a member of “Theta Kappa Beta”.

To say Bill (affectionately known as Big Papa) lived a life rich in travel and cultural experiences would be an understatement. Anyone who knew Bill could testify firsthand that the man had some stories. From sitting next to Henry Kissinger on a flight or patting Sylvester Stallone on the shoulder and telling him what leather jacket to get, the man had been places and met lots of people. A New Yorker through and through, Bill always loved recount his experience attending Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis and watching the Giants pulverize the Patriots. Bill was lucky enough to experience his Bronx Bombers winning 15 world series championships during his life, and we can say with great confidence that he probably remembered exquisite details from each one.

Nothing was better than enjoying time with Bill and Laurinda and listening to him strolling down memory lane. Whether it was reminiscing about crushing beers with his friends after a hard-fought rugby match or taking his daughters on their first European trip, Bill loved to enjoy life, and it brought him so much joy and happiness to share his wonderful memories with his family. You could feel the happiness and pride emanate from him as he lovingly remembered taking Laurinda out on their first date and ordering fresh shucked blue point oysters, listening to him laugh about Kristen’s reaction to taking her first penalty in hockey at BU, or beaming with pride when Keri graduated from nursing school, Bill always had a way of captivating his audiences. A man from humble beginnings whose dedication and drive lead him to becoming one of the top corporate attorneys at PepsiCo. Bill was a man who sacrificed many family moments to ensure his daughters had the best opportunities in not only education but extracurricular interests. We are all very happy that Bill had such a full life and had the pleasure of seeing his grandchildren pursue their interests and develop into the wonderful children that they are. Whatever you believe in, we think it’s safe to say that Bill will be watching over us with a glint in his eye as he sips on the finest nitrogen infused blood orange juice money can buy. His bonus granddaughter may have said it best that no one has ever felt like a more natural grandfather than Papa. We love you with all our heart and wish you a safe passage on your last big trip because we all know it will be first class. Farewell.   

He was preceded in death by his:

• Parents:
  • William E. and Agnes, nee Fisher, Simoson
• Sisters:
  • Jeanne T. Garay
  • Diane Kelly 

Surviving are his:

• Wife:
  • Laurinda Simoson of Shiloh, IL
• Children:
  • Keri (Keith) Bryer of Belleville, IL
  • Kristen East (Jonathan Grogan) of Waterloo, IL
• Grandchildren:
  • Matthew Malfi
  • Elizabeth Malfi
  • Ryan East
  • Jacob East
  • Fiona Grogan
  • Harrison Grogan
• Brothers-in-law:
  • Kevin Kelly
  • Thomas (Vilmarie) Bennett
• Nieces and Nephews

Memorials: Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Services:Private interment will be held.