Estate Gift to benefit Emergency Department
October, 2017, Pompton Plains, NJ – The late Emil Simonetti was a profoundly dedicated philanthropist who supported Atlantic Health System’s Chilton Medical Center and his community for decades. He was generous, compassionate and visionary, as he sought to extend his charitable commitment well beyond his lifetime through planned giving. After his passing on August 1, 2015, much of the former Butler resident’s estate was donated to the causes and institutions he valued most, including Chilton Medical Center, which received $1.2 million to benefit its Emergency Department. One area will be dedicated to Emil and his wife, Carol.
Born in Paterson, New Jersey, Emil Simonetti lived a life of service. He served his country as a member of the United States Army during World War II and later served his local government as Councilman and Police Commissioner of Butler as well as an advocate for Morris County residents with disabilities. Simonetti also demonstrated a strong interest in health care, as evidenced by his involvement with several health-minded organizations. Notably, he was appointed to two governing boards at Chilton Medical Center, where he contributed his financial acumen, and participated on the hospital’s Senior Advisory Committee, helping to develop programs for the community’s senior population.
Simonetti was staunchly devoted to Chilton for at least 15 years – as a leader, volunteer and benefactor. “Emil held Chilton in high regard and had great confidence in what we do. He attended many of our fundraising events and was a member of Chilton’s Legacy Circle, expressing his desire to support the hospital through estate planning,” asserted Mario R. Rosellini, Jr., Trustee, Chilton Medical Center Foundation Board of Trustees.
“He was deeply rooted in the community and genuinely cared about the future of health care,” added Rosellini. “He always talked about leaving a legacy, and leaving something to Chilton, but we didn’t realize the magnitude of his generosity until recently, when we learned of his $1.2 million bequest.” As directed, the donation will benefit the hospital’s emergency department.
“We are tremendously grateful to Mr. Simonetti, whose philanthropic stewardship will help Chilton Medical Center provide critical, state-of-the-art emergency services to more than 50,000 patients each year,” noted Stephanie Schwartz, President, Chilton Medical Center. Simonetti’s gift will support the hospital’s continuing efforts to equip Chilton’s emergency department with cutting edge imaging and diagnostic technologies while modernizing its facilities to optimize efficiency, capacity, and the overall experience for patients and families.
About Atlantic Health System
Atlantic Health System, headquartered in Morristown, N.J., is an integrated health care delivery system powered by a workforce of 16,000 team members dedicated to building healthier communities. The system is comprised of 350 sites of care, including six hospitals: Morristown Medical Center, Overlook Medical Center, Newton Medical Center, Chilton Medical Center, Hackettstown Medical Center and Goryeb Children’s Hospital. Atlantic Health System also supports communities through Atlantic Medical Group, Atlantic Rehabilitation Institute, Atlantic Home Care and Hospice, and its subsidiary, Atlantic Ambulance Corporation. Atlantic Health System sponsors the Atlantic Accountable Care Organization, one of the larger ACOs in the nation, and Optimus Healthcare Partners.