Robert Cary Simmons, retired executive
Robert “Bob” Cary Simmons, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away in the loving care of his family Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012. Mr. Simmons was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., one of four children, Feb. 3, 1929, to the late Edwin and Marion Thiess Simmons.
After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force for three years, serving on the island of Okinawa as an airborne radar mechanic. He met his future wife Phyllis at a military dance while stationed at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J. in 1949 and married her the next year.
Bob began his career in 1952 as a draftsman with the Philco TV & Radio Corp. in Philadelphia, Pa., where he was employed for 22 years. He attended LaSalle College night school while working at Philco, receiving a bachelor of science degree in industrial management. His last position at Philco was as chief mechanical engineer, color TV division. After a brief period of self-employment he worked as a manufacturing representative before entering transportation sales. He retired in 1990 from ABF Transportation Co., as a director of national accounts.
He grew up with a love of music and enjoyed playing the piano. An avid participant in many sports, he played baseball in the Kiwanis league at Prospect Park, Brooklyn, and could be found playing racquetball up until the age of 79.
He was an active member of Mary Mother of Peace, Catholic Church. Most of all, Bob will be remembered for his sense of humor, opinions and being a generous family man.
Bob is survived by his wife of 62 years, Phyllis Simmons; his daughters, Kathleen Plummer and husband Thomas, Janet Simmons and husband Jan Edler, Donna Skekel and husband David; and grandchildren Cory, Riley, Cally, Matthew and Emma. He is also survived by his sisters Carol O'Neill and Marguerite Klimkowski.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon, Tuesday, Nov. 27, at Mary Mother of Peace Catholic Church, Route 24, Millsboro where viewing will begin at 11 a.m. Burial with military honors will be held at the Delaware Veterans Cemetery, Millsboro.
