Charles Bailey Simmons

1931 - 2022

Charles Bailey Simmons, 90, of Simsbury died Thursday, June 30, 2022, at his home in Simsbury. Charles was born October 9, 1931, in Bristol to Kathryn (Gabb) and Kenneth Simmons and raised in West Hartford. Charles graduated from the Cheshire Academy (class of 1949) and Yale University (class of 1953), where he was active in the Glee Club and had star turns in productions of The Pirates of Penzance and Room Service. Following graduation, Charles completed a stint in the U.S. Army and operated the Simmons Gallery in Avon. In 1965, he was accepted into the prestigious H. F. Du Pont Winterthur Fellowship program, after which he took a position as Curator at the York County Pennsylvania Historical Society in York, PA-launching what would become a decorated, decades-long career in museum management, exhibit design, and art history. In 1969 he moved to Palm Beach, FL, where he remained for 25 years as the Executive Director of the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum. Charles was a passionate and devoted supporter of the arts, and he was instrumental in bringing a range of events, exhibits, and performances to whatever area he called home. Charles was predeceased by his parents; sister Janet Simmons Eblen; and loving partners Gilbert Hale and Martha S. Simmons. He is survived by daughter Kate Kaplan and her husband Jay of Canton; daughter Hannah Naczi and her husband Richard of Marcellus, NY; son Jonathan S. Simmons and his wife Lisa Squires of Wallingford, PA; grandchildren Joshua, Erin, Lauren, Sarah, Kristen, Jordi, and Maia; and 11 great-grandchildren. A gifted raconteur, Charles was always the life of any gathering with his unparalleled gift for telling engaging, nonstop tales of his travels and experiences. He could also occasionally be coaxed into sharing his opinions on news, events, and trends of the day. Charles was extremely generous, as well as endlessly devoted to and proud of his family. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, 1 Whitehall Way, Palm Beach, FL, 33480, or to the charity of your choice. Vincent Funeral Home of Simsbury, has charge of arrangements. Please visit his Book of Memories at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.