Richard J. Simmons

Richard J. "Dick" Simmons, 84, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Carroll Lutheran Village in Westminster, Maryland. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he was the beloved son of the late Bernard and Helen (Kaiser) Simmons. Dick was preceded in death by his siblings, Fr. Joseph Simmons of Scranton, PA; Dr. Bernard Simmons of Sarasota, FL; and Patricia Williams of Ocean City, NJ. Dick's journey was one of learning, service, and community. A former Jesuit seminarian, he began his career teaching at Loyola High School in Towson, MD, where he also served as moderator of the debate team. Later, he joined Random House Publishing in Westminster, MD, as Manager of Training and Manager Development. Dick eventually found his true calling as a Pupil Personnel Worker for the Carroll County Board of Education where he served for over thirty years. He also taught as an Adjunct Professor of Counseling at McDaniel College in Westminster and dedicated his time to various leadership roles, including serving on the Board of Directors for Carroll Lutheran Village and as Director of the Carroll County Youth Services Bureau. In retirement he continued to contribute to his community by serving on the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Carroll County Ethics Board. Beyond his professional achievements, Dick cherished his passions and pastimes. An avid racquetball player and golfer, he was also a devoted fan of the Baltimore Ravens, Orioles, and Washington Capitals. Above all, Dick found joy and love in his family and friends, particularly his time involved with Marriage Encounter and Retourno. Dick is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Margaret Mary (Reichelt) Simmons; his sons Matthew Simmons and his wife Teresa; Mark Simmons and his wife Kristin; grandchildren Leila Webb, Tyler Webb, Ellie Simmons, and Ava Simmons; great-grandson Isaiah Graham; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and grand-nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held in Dick's honor on Saturday May 31, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Krug Chapel Auditorium at Carroll Lutheran Village. Guests are invited to bring memories or photos to share. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dick's memory may be made to the Carroll County Youth Services Bureau by contacting Andie Luchini, Fundraising, Marketing, and Communications Department Director, at aLuchini@ccysb.org or 443-244-8139, or to the American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org/, or a charity of your choice.