Riley Alexander Simmons

It is with extreme sadness that we announce that our dear son Riley Alexander Simmons, 27, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Pittsfield, MA on March 18, 2026.

Riley was born in Sharon, CT on Memorial Day May 25, 1998, and grew up in Falls Village - a place he would always consider home. A curious and precocious child, he was reading and writing at age three and developed a lifelong love of books and learning. Some things he especially enjoyed as a boy were working outdoors with his dad and grandpa, cooking and gardening with his mom and grandma, playing with his younger brother, Legos, Star Wars, Transformers, Pokémon, Magic Cards, and Harry Potter. Riley later developed a passion for video games, where he could immerse himself in fantasy worlds; computers, which he often built himself, and chemistry. He treasured time spent with his grandparents and created many cherished memories at their homes.

Riley endured lifelong struggles: first with Asperger's Syndrome, and later with mental illness and a sleep disorder. His accomplishments and perseverance in the face of these challenges were nothing short of heroic; aided by the loving support of his family, teachers, and our local community. He attended Lee H. Kellogg elementary school and graduated from Housatonic Valley Regional High School, both in Falls Village. He participated in Cub Scouts, Little League, geography bees, science fairs, Lego club, robotics team, debate team, chess club, and German club. He earned many academic awards and honors over the years, including a near-perfect SAT score. Riley pursued his love of science and research, and in May of 2020 he graduated from Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY with Presidential Honors and a bachelor's degree in Biomolecular Science, with a minor in Biology. While at Clarkson, Riley was a proud member of the Iota Kappa chapter of the fraternity Delta Tau Tau. He held summer jobs at the Interlaken Inn and the Triplex Cinema. His first and final job after college was as a Quality Control Method Transfer Chemist at Berkshire Sterile Manufacturing in Lee, MA.

Riley formed close friendships that were very important to him in each phase of his life, which he maintained through the years. He was known for his sense of humor, sharp wit, genuineness, kindness, and compulsion to help others and to right the injustices of the world. In his Pittsfield neighborhood he often helped elderly pedestrians and gave food and money to those in need, despite having very little to give. His uniqueness and authenticity are remembered fondly by those close to him.

As an adult Riley consumed online educational materials in his pursuit of knowledge. He possessed a truly brilliant mind and enjoyed sharing the facts he had learned. Many people affectionately referred to him as "The Walking Encyclopedia". Riley loved to cook and experiment in the kitchen. He played the guitar and loved listening to and discovering new music, in which his taste was very eclectic. Riley had a large online presence in gaming, Discord, and Reddit; and he was beloved in these communities.

In the words of his brother Sam: "He was the smartest person I knew, and he was always trying to make you laugh. He was a very honest and simple person with a strong set of beliefs. He didn't change himself for anyone. Didn't matter if he was going on a date or spending time with family - he was the same Riley. There's no one else like him in my life. The one-and-only, quirky Riley".

Riley is survived by his mother Marilyn Zovickian Magill and stepfather David of Selkirk, NY, his father George Edward Simmons, Jr. and stepmother Marisa of Salisbury, CT; his grandparents Margo and Charles Lewis of Falls Village, CT, Dr. William H. Zovickian of Dacula, GA, and Beverly and James Snyder of Ashley Falls, MA; his brother Samuel Simmons, step-brother Cole Rosseter, and step-sister Madelyn Magill; his aunts and uncles Sara Zovickian (Roger), Nathanael Lewis (Chelsea), William Zovickian, Valerie Sugerak (Shane), Bonnie Peters (Jay), Cynthia Ullrich (David), Susan Bush, Kevin Bush (Jennifer); several great-aunts and uncles, and dozens of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Calling hours will be held at Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home, 118 Main Street, Canaan, CT on April 4th, 2026 from 2 pm to 3:30 pm, with a service immediately following at that location. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a mental health or autism spectrum disorder support organization of your choice.