George L. Simms

George L. "Larry" Simms, 78 of Washington, passed away at home from natural causes on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. He was born February 1, 1948, in Canonsburg, a son of the late George and Stella Cwynarski Simms. Mr. Simms was a graduate of Canon-McMillan High School and California University of Pennsylvania; and, served in the United States Army, stationed in Heidelberg, Germany. He worked for more than 25 years as a coal miner before his retirement. He enjoyed all types of music: particularly Pittsburgh 'oldies,' rockabilly, Bo Diddley (which was often heard blaring from the garage on a summer's day) and Jimi Hendrix (he loved to tell the story that while in the Army he shook the hand of the man who shook Jimi's hand). He loved history, collecting, gardening and possessed a keen intellectual curiosity on all manner of topics - passions he proudly shared with and passed on to his family, particularly his children and grandson. He loved feeding birds in the backyard, often making friends with the red-bellied woodpeckers who would come at his call for a treat. His family will miss and love him always. George is survived by Piera Venturo Simms, his beloved wife and friend of 52 years; his children, Christina Simms and George Simms; his grandson, Georgie Simms; his sisters, Kathleen Wylie and Sharon Jordan; and several nephews, nieces, great-nephews and nieces, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Maureen Leis; and brother, Jeffrey Simms. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Washington Area Humane Society or the American Diabetes Association. A memorial gathering will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, March 7, in Mario L. DeAngelo Funeral Home, Inc., James N. DeAngelo, Supervisor, Dale D. DeAngelo, Funeral Director, 194 East College Street, Canonsburg. A Celebration of Life will be held immediately following the gathering at 12 p.m. in the funeral home. Interment will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery, Canonsburg.