Robert A. Simmons, 84, of Mattapoisett passed away on Monday, Oct. 5, after a period of declining health. He was the husband of Marlene A. (Newberg) Simmons, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage.

 

Born in Pawtucket, RI, he was the son of the late William and Beatrice (Adams) Simmons.

 

Bob was a graduate of Pawtucket East High School, class of 1954, where he was a member of the New England Champion Swim Team. He went on to serve as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. After his discharge from the service, he attended the University of Rhode Island and graduated in 1963. He then began his teaching career in Dartmouth where he was as a physical education teacher and track and cross country coach for 34 years. During the summer months, he worked as assistant camp director at YMCA Camp Massasoit.

 

He was a member of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, SAR, the Pythagorean Lodge AF and AM, the MBBA of Cape Cod, Board of Directors of Sippican Rod and Gun Club, and Boy Scout Troop 53 in Mattapoisett.

 

Bob enjoyed the company of his black labs over the years starting with Kizzy, then Molly, Daisy, and lastly Misty.

 

He is survived by his wife, Marlene; his son, Robert Simmons, Jr. and his wife Debbie of New Hampshire; two daughters, Robin Mayo of Mattapoisett and Laurie Simmons of Davis, CA; five grandchildren, Lindsay Tentindo and her husband Dr. Greg Tentindo of Missouri, Kate Simmons of New Hampshire; Erin Mayo and her finace Keith Pedro of Fairhaven; Sarah White and her husband Mike of New Hampshire; and Nicholas Mayo and his partner Jennifer of Mattapoisett; five great-grandchildren, Avery Rose of Fairhaven, Sloane and Reagan of Missouri, Adriana of Mattapoisett, and Natalie of New Hampshire.

 

He was predeceased by his brother, William Simmons of Cumberland, RI.

 

Bob's family would like to thank the staff at The Oaks Skilled Nursing Facility for their kindness and special care.

 

Services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's name may be made to the National MS Society, 101A First Ave., Waltham, MA 02451 or the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, P.O. Box 284, Mattapoisett, MA 02739. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.