Alphonzo or "Al" as he was known by many was born October 27th, 1952 at Columbia Presbyterian in Manhattan to Alphonzo Sr. and Mildred Simmons
He attended Saint Aloysius & Annunciation grammar schools, and Power Memorial & Bishop Dubois High School. He graduated from New Hampshire College (BS Marketing) in 1978. Some years later, he also received a certificate in computerized accounting from New York City Technical College in 1997.
Alphonzo had a host of jobs as an accountant/bookkeeper in administration for various companies, finally finding his home as an executive assistant in New York City Transit/MTA’s medical office.
Known for his impeccable style and great sense of humor, Alphonzo made a lasting impression on everyone he met. As quoted from a close friend “I never met a person who didn’t like Al”.
In 2009, after a near fatal car accident, Alphonzo’s life was dramatically changed but it didn’t damper his strength or spirit. You would often see him, still riding his scooter through the streets of Harlem to meet friends, going to a basketball at the Garden, a baseball game at Yankee Stadium or jumping on a plane to travel the world.
In 2017, he was diagnosed with Dementia and Parkinson’s disease and although for some years that still didn’t stop his fight, eventually Al began to lose the battle in 2020.
He was preceded in death by his parents Alphonzo Sr. & Mildred and brother Shawki Mohammed “Robert Simmons”.
Alphonzo is survived by his sisters, Leslye & Michel, niece Kelli & her dad Eddy, Aunt Jessie & son Dwayne and a host of family and many, many lifelong friends.
He will be greatly missed by all.
A visitation for Alphonzo will be held Wednesday, June 12, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Walter B. Cooke Funeral Home, 352 East 87th Street, New York, NY 10128. A visitation will occur Thursday, June 13, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, 352 East 87th Street, New York, NY 10128. A funeral service will occur Friday, June 14, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St Joseph's Church, 404 E 87th St, New York, NY 10128. A committal service will occur Friday, June 14, 2024 from 11:45 AM to 12:15 PM at St Raymond New Cemetery, 2600 Lafayette Ave, Bronx, NY 10465.
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