Obituary of Ronald D. Simms
Ronald D. Simms, Sr., age 74, a retired police officer for the City of Bridgeport with 28 years of service, died Sunday, August 22, 2004 in Yale-New Haven Hospital surrounded by his family. Born in Yonkers, New York on October 18, 1929, he was a son of the late David H. and Grace Havery Simms. Ron was a longtime Black Rock resident before moving to Old Saybrook and finally settling in Stratford. A proud U. S. Marine Corp veteran of the Korean War, he participated in the Battle of Inchon and the Battle of the Chosin, he received a Korean service metal with three stars and a Navy occupation metal. He was a member of the retired Policeman and Fireman Association of Bridgeport and the Police Benevolent Association. Ron was one of the founding members of the Bridgeport Police Department Scuba Diving Team. He was also a member of the Mens Club of Oronoque, the Elks Club, VFW Post #10273 of Stratford and was a life member of the Fayerweather Yacht Club. He also enjoyed fishing and boating. Ron will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather. Ron also worked for 12 years at Hitchcock Gas Engine as store manager.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 49 years, Norene Carey Simms, two devoted children, Ronald D. Simms, Jr. and Margaret Mastrony of Oxford and Judee Simms McMellon of Fairfield, five cherished grandchildren, James D., Katie and Becca McMellon and Sheila and Kiki Mastrony, brother-in-law, James F. Carey and his wife, Patricia of Florida, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. He is also survived by his feline companion, William Shakespeare.
Funeral services will take place on Thursday, August 26, 2004 at 9:00 a.m. from the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, and at 10:00 a.m. in St. Ann Church, Bridgeport for a Mass of Christian Burial. Entombment with full military honors will follow in the Mountain Grove Cemetery Pilgrimage Mausoleum, Bridgeport. Friends may call on Wednesday from 4-8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make memorial contributions to Yale University Pulmonary and Critical Care, c/o Paul Noble, M.D., Pulmonary Fibrosis Research, P. O. Box 208057, New Haven, CT 06520.