Richard Ray Simmons

Richard Ray Simmons, age 76, of New Philadelphia, passed away in his home Friday, December 4, 2009. Born New Years Day, 1933 at Tuscarawas, Richard was a son of the late Walter & Gertrude Sensenberger Simmons. He graduated from Tuscarawas-Warwick High School in 1951.Richard was a member of the Broadway United Methodist Church, and sang in the congregation�s chancel choir. He retired following a lengthy career with the Greer Steel Company. On April 20, 1955, Richard married the former Margaret Louise �Peggy� Clerici. Together they celebrated fifty-three years of marriage before her death, February 5 of this year. The highlight of their life together was rearing a son; Richard R. �Rick� Simmons, Jr. who died unexpectedly while still an academic and athletic standout at New Philadelphia High School on March 12, 1972. Richard will be sadly missed by his godson Brian and his brother, Cory Boggs, and their mother, Vicki Fortuna, all of whom reside in Columbus and whom Richard considered as his family. A sister; Mary Catherine (husband, Bob) Swenk of Tuscarawas, two sisters-in-law; Nancy Mikoloski of Placentia, California, and Louise Harris of New Philadelphia, as well as nieces and nephews; Alan (wife, Georgie) Johns of New Philadelphia, Paula (husband, Michael) Hodson of Strongsville, Abby (husband, Les) Koyanagi of Placentia, California, Carolyn (husband, Michael) Rede of Temecula, California, Susan (husband, Kevin) Brown of Peyton, Colorado, and David Harris of San Clemente, California, also survive. Friends are invited to call Monday afternoon from 4PM to 7PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Pastor Bill Sowers will lead a funeral service celebrating Mr. Simmon�s life Tuesday morning at 10 AM in the funeral home�s chapel. Burial will follow alongside his wife and son in East Avenue Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Make a Wish Foundation, 1422 Euclid Avenue, Suite 239, Cleveland, OH, 44115-1901.Linn-Hert-Geib(330) 343-5506www.geibcares.com