Russell Monroe Simmons

Russell Monroe Simmons passed away on Monday, July 30, 2012 in Sarasota, FL. He was born April 13, 1918 to Lester N. Simmons and Hazel Doull Simmons in Bloomfield, NJ. He was predeceased by his parents, and sisters Jean Kicklighter of Sarasota, FL and Shirley Sawyer of Natick MA. He is survived by a cousin Bill Simmons of Riverview, FL, four nephews and three nieces, four great nephews, six great nieces, nine great-great nephews and one great-great niece.

After graduating from Westfield (NJ) High School, Mr. Simmons moved to New York City where he spent many years working for Columbia Artists (Community Concerts Association) and Marsh Tours. This allowed him to travel extensively around the United States and Europe, which he enjoyed very much.

Upon retirement in 1975, he moved to Sarasota where he worked for the Van Wezel, becoming the Box Office Manager and then the Sarasota Opera Company. He returned north for several years and lived in Natick, MA before returning to Sarasota in 1990.

He was a member of the First Church of Christ Scientist in Sarasota.

Along with travelling, he had a passion for the opera and for many years was a subscriber to the Metropolitan Opera Company in New York. He thoroughly enjoyed listening to the Met on Saturday afternoons on WSMR, 89.1. In his opinion, the only television station was WEDU and he looked forward to the British Sitcoms on Saturday evenings.

The family would like to thank the management and staff at The Pines of Sarasota for the care that they gave our uncle in the last two years.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to The Pines Foundation, 1501 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236 or to Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238.