Richard Leroy. Simmons

“Death is not an ending…but the beginning of a new life which God has prepared for us.’ Thus, our beloved RICHARD LEROY SIMMONS began his “new” life on Saturday, April 12, 2008. Richard, the beloved father of Anthony Richard Simmons, passed away at St. Agnes Hospital after a brief hospitalization.He was born on December23, 1034 in Troy, New York and was the youngest child of the late Ernest and Jennifife Simmons. He is survived by his sister, Dr. Dorothea Simmons of Worcester, MA/ His other siblings, Ruperta Waters an Francis (Egbert) Simmons, preceded him death.Richard grew up in a loving and disciplined Christian environment at the family resort in Upstate New York. As a child, he had perfect musical pitch and was frequently cast in the school operettas.After high school, Richard joined the Air force and served with honor. Upon completion of active duty, he settled in Baltimore, MD.Richard was employed by and retired as a Dietary Supervisor from the Men’s Correctional Facility in Jessup, MD.In 1970, Richard married Rosada Thompson and welcomed her son, James (Laron) Locke as his own. In 1971, the couple was blessed with their son, Anthony (Tony). Although Richard and Rosada later divorced, they remained friends.A second marriage to the late Linda Suberu ended in divorce.Richard had an entrepreneurial spirit. For several years he and his family owned Simmons’Mini Market, the first “black-owned’ neighborhood grocery located on the renowned Lombard Street “Corned Beef Row.” The business did well until it was destroyed by fire. Undeterred, Richard remained with his job at Jessup. After retirement, Richard worked for March’s Funeral Home (King Memorial Park) as a Sales Counselor until the time of his demise.Although a private man, he had varied interests. Until the 1980’s Richard enjoyed pipe-smoking and was known for his extensive pipe collection. He was a history buff and was keenly interested in anything related to World War II. He compiled scrapbooks with WWII paraphernalia and loved to watch war movies.To relax, Richard performed intricate watch repair and during his marriage to Rosada, He took ride in maintaining a backyard vegetable garden; the family reaped the bountiful rewards of produce at harvest each year. He also enjoyed fishing with his constant companion (Tony) and playing poker.Perhaps his greatest satisfaction came in spending time with Tony. Although father and son by biology, they were kindred spirits. The two men were reflections of one another, sharing similar looks, gait and even their hearty laugh. Tony even inherited Richard’s entrepreneurial spirit; father and son worked many hours side by side at Fat Cat’s Tony’s previous fast food establishment.In addition to his son, sister and niece Janet waters, Richard is survived by his ex-wife Rosada Thompson, and former step-son and family Drs. James and Stephanie Locke and daughters Veronica and Erin. Also cherishing his memory are a host of friends, co-workers and his “buddies” who met over the years for that special cup of coffee at the Dunkin’ Donut Shop.

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Richard Leroy. Simmons

December 23, 1934 - April 12, 2008