Charles A. Simmons

Rosendale, NY

Charles A. Simmons, of Route 32 Rosendale, formerly of River Road Tillson, died Monday, July 21, 2008 at Saint Francis Hospital after sustaining injuries in an auto accident in the Town of Lloyd.

Born in Manhattan on June 20, 1921, a son of the late Arthur Lowands Simmons, and Delia Hazelton Greene.

He grew up in the Bronx near Yankee Stadium. In his younger days Charlie worked for The Postal Service, The Armour Meat Corporation and The Fruit and Produce Packaging Company. He was a professional Bus Driver for about 40 years, ten of which he ran The Ulster County Rural Transportation Shuttle. His passengers and friends often referred to him as "Uncle Charlie", but those who knew him best, he was considered the "Mayor of Ulster County". In his later years, he enjoyed going to the Stadium to see his beloved Yankees. He also enjoyed many holidays at the home of Carol Verdis. He had been adopted by The Woodcrest Community in Rifton. There he fellowshipped with children and adults, worked part time and shared many community meals. He shared in the monthly Christian Men's Breakfast at The Plaza Diner New Paltz.

He is the husband of the late Marjorie M. Schermerhorn Simmons. Surviving are dear friends, Carol Verdis of Pleasant Valley, NY and Tom Losee; brother-in-law, Raymond Schermerhorn of Clintondale, PA; sister-in-law, Shirley Hanley of Perkasie, PA; nieces and nephews also survive.

A memorial service will be held at The Woodcrest Community, Route 213, Rifton on Saturday at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Rosendale Plains Cemetery, Tillson. A small reception will be held after interment at Woodcrest Community.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Woodcrest Community, Rifton, NY.

Friends will be received at The Clintondale Friends Christian Church, 302 Cresent Ave., Clintondale from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday.

Arrangements by Joseph V. Leahy Funeral Home, Inc., 27 Smith Avenue, Kingston; www.jvleahyfh.com.