The Simone Family has been a part of high school football in the Metro for more than 35 years. Their work began after the tragic death of their 12-year old son Tommy who was killed by a police patrol wagon in 1983.
Tommy’s death motivated the family to give back to the community in honor of their son’s short but remarkable life. Tommy influenced those around him from teammates to coaches and the family wanted to share his life through charitable acts.
In the fall of 1983 the Simone’s began the Thomas A. Simone Memorial Football Award to be presented annually to the most outstanding high school football player in the Kansas City Metro. It was a continuation of the Dr. D.M. Nigro Award that was given out from 1931 until Dr. Nigro’s death in 1976.
The one award has grown into five and the annual event is the most prestigious football awards in the Metro.
The family has raised thousands of dollars for area charities through its Simone-Fontana Foundation and continue their work today.
