Francis Michael "Frank" Simmons

Francis "Frank" Michael Simmons, 52, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Warren, New Jersey, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

Frank was born on October 3, 1973, in Manhasset, New York. He grew up in Lake Ronkonkoma, New York, where he attended Sachem High School and Suffolk County Community College.

After graduating high school, Frank continued his education in Florida at the University of South Florida. He began his career there which would ultimately take him to several places over the years, including Chicago, Virginia, and Atlanta, before he eventually settled in New Jersey in 2002. Frank and his family made Warren their home, where they planted lasting roots and raised their children.

Frank began his professional life working in retail loss prevention and corporate investigations for several major retailers including Bealls, Lord & Taylor, Gap, Macy's and Party City. This was a field that suited his sharp instincts, amazing ability to engage with people and attention to detail. He won several awards through the years for his performance. Frank also had a knack for uncovering rare finds. He loved history and began to dip his toes in the antiquing world while continuing his full-time work. It began with short road trips where the thrill of the hunt brought him new excitement. In 2020 he decided to pursue what had always been his passion full time. He started his own business, an online auction house, specializing in antiques, vintage toys, sports memorabilia, and collectibles. He had a remarkable eye for value and history, an innate sense of what mattered, and an enthusiasm for the stories behind the objects he found. For Frank, it was never just about the item-it was about the hunt, the history, and the joy of discovery. He developed great relationships with clients around the world who trusted his abilities to find them what they were looking for and authenticate everything he found with the story behind it when possible.

This passion often led to spontaneous road trips with his family. Frank loved planning elaborate routes across the country, mapping out antique shops, flea markets, and hidden treasures along the way. These trips became cherished family memories, blending his love for antiquing with his love for being together. He often joked that he was an original "American Picker".

Frank had an incredible quick wit, insane sense of humor and no one could match his sarcasm which presented itself at all the right moments. He was also a talented public speaker who could always find the right inspiration or proverb from the endless filing cabinet in his mind to make any occasion extremely special. He was a truepractical joker, especially at Halloween where his goal was to scare the boys each year with an elaborate, almost theatrical prank which kept the boys on edge all month long. Frank enjoyed traveling, fishing, metal detecting, reading and was an avid movie buff. A passionate sports fan, he had a particular devotion to baseball as a lifelong Yankees fan. In recent years, Frank and his two sons began a special mission together: to visit every Major League Baseball stadium in the country. While they were only able to visit a quarter of the ballparks, they made sure to circle back for a few games at Yankee Stadium each season.

Above all else, Frank was a devoted loving husband and an exceptionally dedicated father. He rarely missed a game, practice, or event, and took immense pride in watching his sons play sports and grow into young men he was so very proud of. Being present for his family was always his priority, and his love for them was evident in everything he did.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 23 years, April Simmons; his sons, Andrew and Tyler; his mother, Carmella Simmons; his sister, Christina Huszcza and her husband Thomas; and his four nieces, Katherine, Alexandra, Elizabeth, and Meghan. He was predeceased by his father, Kevin Simmons.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 19, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Higgins Home ForFunerals, 752 Mountain Boulevard, Watchung, New Jersey. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 20, at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Roman Catholic Church in Basking Ridge. Interment will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Frank's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, an organization close to the family's heart. Donations may be made at:

https://www.stjude.org

Frank's life was marked by laughter, curiosity, passion, spontaneity, and unwavering devotion to his family. Though his passing was sudden and unexpected, the memories he created and the love he gave will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.