PISCATAWAY, N.J. (Nov. 5, 2012) - The Rutgers Athletics Department received the untimely news of the passing of Anthony "Tony" Simonelli over the past weekend. The former Scarlet Knight football team captain unexpectedly passed away Thursday, Nov. 1.  

Simonelli earned captaincy as a senior "On the Banks" for the 1962 season and was a pivotal member of RU's undefeated 9-0 squad in 1961. He lettered for the Scarlet Knights from 1960-62 at tackle.

Considered by many a man of high importance in the New Jersey high school football community, Simonelli coached through four decades at J.P. Stevens High School in Edison. During his 35-year teaching career for the Edison Public School System, he also oversaw track & field and wrestling. He retired in 1999 as the high school's athletic director.

Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen (PO Box 385 Metuchen, NJ 08840). To send condolences, please visit www.costello-runyon.com.