Thomas L Simmons Jr.

February 12, 1926 - July 19, 2018

.On July 19, 2018, Thomas Lester Simmons Jr., loving father and proud grandfather to Cheryl and Airelle Smith, respectively, passed away. He was predeceased by his wife, Josephine Neely Simmons. Throughout his 92 years, Mr. Simmons was an incredibly active community member. He served on the alter, helped in the kitchen, and fulfilled other odd jobs to support the well-being of St. James Episcopal Church in Long Branch, NJ. He was also a guidance counselor and track coach at Long Branch High School. He regularly attended trips with the Tinton Falls Senior Citizens Group, of which he was a jovial member and one-time Vice President. Many years ago, Tom was even on the Board of Education in the Borough of Tinton Falls. He was a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc and once held down Superbowl Sunday celebrations with his makeshift "Football Crew". Thomas Simmons was also actively involved in his community on national level- he was an army reserve veteran who served in the Korean War. Tom had a kind and patient heart and a Masters degree in counseling. He consistently kept an abundance of joy present in his daughter's life and constantly inspired his granddaughter to settle for nothing less than what challenged and enabled her to chase after excellence because he knew that was what made her happy. Tom was born in Brooklyn, NY, and has two younger brothers, Donald and Barret, and one younger sister, Joan-- all of whom survive him. He was the son of Thomas Lester Simmons, Sr. and Noeline Davis Simmons. He will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers donations to www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/givermc or to Riverview Medical Center Foundation, 1 Riverview Plaza, Red Bank, NJ 07701 in Mr. Simmons memory would be greatly appreciated. A memorial gathering will be held at St. James Episcopal Church, 300 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ on Friday, July 27, 2018 from 11 am until the time of the Requiem Mass at noon. Interment will be private.