Richard Dean ‘Dick’ Simmons

[caption id="attachment_2381" align="alignleft" width="481"] Richard Dean ‘Dick’ Simmons[/caption]

Richard Dean “Dick” Simmons was born on June 2, 1935, the second of three children born to Clarence and Lavona Simmons in Cleveland, Ohio.

He passed away at his home in Sonoma, on Oct. 3, 2013. He was 78.

Richard met Monica Kaschalk in 1955 and they married on May 2, 1956.  He was employed at Carling Brewery in Cleveland.  Over the next five years, they welcomed their first four children.  In 1962, the family moved to Sonoma, and 1971 they welcomed their fifth child.  Over the next 35 years, Richard worked in the automotive industry. He was a member of Valley of the Moon Gun Club and Sonoma Moose Lodge. He enjoyed gardening, hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Monica; his daughters, Pat Valim (Mike) and Justine Brocco (Ron); his sons, Dean Simmons (Darlene Boy) and Todd Simmons (Patti); his grandchildren Nicole and Jaclyn Gibbons, Audra Spaletta and Kyle and Madeline Simmons; and his great-grandchildren, Julia and Domonic Spaletta.   He is also survived by his sister, Carol David.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Albanese; his son, Darrell Simmons; and granddaughter, Hailey Simmons.

The family would like to thank Jaclyn Gibbons and the wonderful nurses and caregivers from Hospice, especially Cheryl Sebastian, for the extraordinary compassion you showed during his illness.  You are all truly angels on earth.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service and celebration of Richard’s life on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2013, at Duggan’s Mission Chapel, 525 W. Napa St., Sonoma, CA, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice By The Bay, 190 W. Napa St., Sonoma, CA 95476.

Duggan’s Mission Chapel Mission Cremation Service 525 W. Napa St., Sonoma, CA

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