GREENVILLE – It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of Valentino Anthony Peter Simpao, known to most as Tony, on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 in Greenville. Tony was born on June 26, 1960, to Valentino Sombiro Simpao, MD, and Diane Felice Villone Simpao, LPN, in the state of New York. Tony was his mother’s blessed firstborn, one of nine sterling souls whom she loves with every fiber of her being.
He was preceded in death by his father, Valentino Sombiro Simpao; his grandparents on his mother’s side, Carmen Mario Villone and Diane Laverne Villone; his paternal grandparents, Gregorio Simpao and Purificacion Sombiro Simpao; and his younger brother, Joseph Gregory Simpao.
Tony spent his early childhood moving with his family from New York to Paris, Kentucky, then to Calhoun, Kentucky, and eventually to Greenville, Kentucky, where he graduated from Greenville High School. He continued his education at the Institute of Technology in Evansville, Indiana, and later at the University of Evansville.
Tony eventually moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he began his life’s work as a consultant in areas of theoretical and mathematical physics. Later returning to Greenville, Kentucky to become an Adjunct Professor at Western Kentucky University, Tony made important contributions to his field both in publications and as a mentor for graduate research.
While Tony had been classically trained as a physicist, his intelligence seemed to come from somewhere deeper than formal education alone. It was innate, difficult to categorize, and expansive. His mind moved fluidly between worlds. One might describe his intelligence through the frameworks of linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, and creative thought, yet even those descriptions fall short. His analytic thinking surpassed most. Science was his art, and art was his science.
He was equally moved by Mozart and Nirvana, appreciated the sonnets of Shakespeare, and delighted in the humor and absurd brilliance of Monty Python. If you sat with him long enough, he could draw you into explanations of both the visible and the unseen, patiently working through ideas until understanding emerged. That ability to bridge worlds — high philosophy and humor, rigorous science and creative imagination — was one of his gifts.
Tony was also a loving brother and had a remarkable ability to listen and to help others articulate ideas that were difficult to express. In many ways he was a master of cognitive mediation, helping others frame their thoughts and see perspectives more clearly. Because he could see beyond boundaries, he helped others learn to see beyond them as well.
Above all, Tony had the sweetest soul that was both made tender and strengthened by his faith. A spiritual leader to all, Tony held a quiet, yet firm reverence to God and God’s will even in the hardest of times. His love for God kept his soul cheerful and jovial, his heart faithful and prayerful, and his mind resilient. Tony was deeply generous and operated with the ethos of a warrior.
Tony is survived by his mother Diane Villone Simpao; his siblings Holly (Jonathan) Strelzik, Terri (Carl) Paige, Phillip (Rose) Simpao, and Frances (Darby) Crawford; thirteen nieces and nephews; and four great-nieces and nephews. Tony will be deeply missed and forever loved.
Funeral services will be Monday, March 9, 2026, at 11:00AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Central City, with Father John Ighacho officiating. Burial in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Owensboro will immediately follow the funeral service. Visitation will be Sunday from 3-6PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church and Monday after 8:00AM at the church. Rosary prayer service will be Sunday at 6:00PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Tucker Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com.
