Allen Lee Simmons

1947 - 2022

BORN

1947

DIED

2022

About

University of New Haven

Allen Simmons Obituary

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of Al Simmons, 75, of Marathon, FL. Al died unexpectedly on Sunday, Nov. 6, at the finish line of the IronMan competition in Panama City, FL. Born Oct. 25, 1947, in New Haven, CT, Allen was the son of Alvin and Lucile (McPherson) Simmons. Raised in Southington, Al received his Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of New Haven.Al founded Mustang Motorcycle Products in Terryville, CT, and built it into the largest aftermarket motorcycle seat manufacturing company in the world.
From an early age, Al lived life to the fullest in every sense. Starting as a young boy, his first and true love was aviation, earning his pilot's license as a teenager. Over the next decades he continued achieving by earning his instrument rating, his multi-engine rating for both land and sea, his seaplane rating for both single and multiengine, his glider rating, B-25 second in command rating, and had recently begun helicopter lessons.
Al was highly intelligent and inquisitive, with insatiable curiosity; he never turned down a trip to a museum! With a passion for travel, Al was always excited to share pictures and talk about what he had learned on his latest adventures to more than 75 countries around the world. He was indomitable, always demanding extraordinary physical discipline from himself.
No challenge was too difficult for him to take on, and he enjoyed a variety of activities including SCUBA diving, fishing, snowboarding and kiteboarding.Starting with motorcycling events in his teens, he later competed and excelled in windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, glider soaring, marathons, and triathlons, ending at the finish line of the Panama City, FL, IronMan on Nov. 6. Al left us the way he lived life, crossing the finish line.
Survivors include his wife, Susan; son, Mark Simmons of Pawcatuck, CT, and Palm Coast, FL; daughter, Susan (Wayne) Kobrock of East Lyme, CT; stepson, Emory (Shelly) Olzinski of Virginia Beach, VA; stepdaughter, Rachel (Shad) Tome of Tampa, FL; grandchildren Emma, Ethan, Evelyn, Trevor, Toby, Eric and Katie; brother George (Kathleen) Simmons of Panama, OK; sister Marilyn Simmons of Bristol, CT and several cousins.
A celebration of Al's extraordinary life will be held at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Bristol Press from Nov. 12 to Nov. 19, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Allen Simmons

53 Entries

Michael Glanovsky

April 20, 2023

I first met Al here at Cedar Lake last summer. He was windsurfing and we discussed the Pilatus PC-12, a plane I was aquainted with. It was truly a memorable conversation. He was an extraordinary person! I remember also talking to Susan while waiting for him to come in off Cedar Lake. Much love and all the best to Al´s family.

Regards,

Michael Glanovsky

Juan Mandelbaum

November 23, 2022

Very sad to hear this news. Every time I would drive into the gliderport for the Seniors Championship I would cross Al running in the opposite direction, was always impressed with his determination. And he was always ready to help with whatever one needed. Always a fun and gracious presence. We were also on the US Team to the PanAmerican Championships in Argentina in 2017 (on the right during the opening ceremonies). He will be greatly missed. Big hug for Susan.

Helga Rinneard

Planted Trees

Anne Mongiovi

November 22, 2022

We have known Al & Susan since their first interest in motorgliders. Always fun and nice people to be around. Al will be greatly missed by many. Sincere condolences to Susan and the family, Anne Mongiovi & Gene Franklin

A Fellow Ironman

November 16, 2022

What an amazing guy and life! I didn't know Al, but I completed IMFL 2022 with Al as a fellow participant. You embodied what Ironman is all about. Live life to the fullest! You will be remembered Al.

IMFL 2022 Finisher

November 16, 2022

I was a finisher at Ironman Florida this year, passing Al somewhere in the later miles of the course. I was in the medical tent for a minor issue when Al was brought in. I'm so sorry for the loss of my fellow Ironman, who clearly experienced about the most incredible life of anyone who started that race, regardless of how old the rest of us all live to. And thank you Al for providing all of us who raced with a lesson to live life fully as we never know when life will end, a lesson I will take with me for the rest of my life.

Bob Holliday

November 16, 2022

Al was a truly caring and intelligent man. I really enjoyed the fellowship and great times when we would meet in Parowan Utah for great fun and challenging soaring. He certainly excelled in all of his endeavors. I will miss our evening meals with him and Susan after flying all day. May god bless his family in this time of sorrow as we remember this great man. Good finish Al!