Obituary for Stephen Fredrick "Fred" Simmons
Stephen Fredrick Simmons (Fred) was born on June 1, 1952, on a United States Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia to his parents, Clyde and Mary Simmons. He spent his childhood moving frequently with the military before his family settled in Dover, Delaware in 1966. Fred graduated from Dover High School in 1970 after serving as student body president. He went on to the University of Delaware where he was a member of the swim team and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science. In 1974, he opened a State Farm Insurance agency in Aberdeen, Maryland that he successfully operated for more than forty years. Fred became a pilot in his thirties, loved flying, and held part ownership in the Harford County Airport. Fred was active in many local Harford County community organizations and served as the mayor of Aberdeen from 2005-2007.
Fred was larger than life—charismatic, smart, creative, and hilariously inappropriate in all the best ways. He believed that anything worth doing was worth overdoing, whether that was completing a fifty-mile race in the Appalachian Mountains or regularly indulging in laughter and great bourbon with friends. Fred loved his children and took immense pride in their successes. He never missed a soccer game, swim meet, competition, or awards ceremony—and he loved to tell anyone and everyone of their accomplishments. He had friends from all walks of life and was comfortable everywhere—from Michelin star restaurants to hole-in-the wall diners. He loved dogs, and almost always had a well-trained Labrador or Golden Retriever by his side throughout his life. In his fifties, Fred got his first tattoo—a portrait of Atlas holding up the World, as an homage to his favorite writer and philosopher, Ayn Rand. He believed in working hard, playing hard, and that being average was boring. He believed that punctuality was the ultimate sign of respect. Fred loved to travel and made it a point to travel with his kids and his brother whenever possible. He was a self-taught musician and played beautiful melodies on the harmonica, recorder, and piano. He was an incredible storyteller and could captivate a room with (mostly true) tales of his life and adventures.
Fred passed from health complications related to Lymphoma on August 16, 2022. He was fortunate enough to visit with and speak to most of the people he loved in his final days, including his children, his brother, his ex-wife, Barbara Simmons, and great friend and employee, Tanya Williams. He left us surrounded by his children, and well-loved by his family and friends. He is survived by his brother, Bob Simmons, his sister, June Craig, his children, Jessica Simmons, Stephen Simmons, Rachel Jackson, and Sarah Simmons, a host of nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, and his dog, Storm. He will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be held at Zellman Funeral Home, P.A., 123 S. Washington St., Havre de Grace, MD, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm on Friday, September 9, 2022. A Memorial Service will follow at 5 PM, at Van Diver Inn, 301 S. Union Avenue, Havre de Grace, MD.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Aberdeen Boys and Girls Club, http://bgcharfordcecil.org.
Online condolences may be made at www.zellmanfuneralhome.com.
Fred was larger than life—charismatic, smart, creative, and hilariously inappropriate in all the best ways. He believed that anything worth doing was worth overdoing, whether that was completing a fifty-mile race in the Appalachian Mountains or regularly indulging in laughter and great bourbon with friends. Fred loved his children and took immense pride in their successes. He never missed a soccer game, swim meet, competition, or awards ceremony—and he loved to tell anyone and everyone of their accomplishments. He had friends from all walks of life and was comfortable everywhere—from Michelin star restaurants to hole-in-the wall diners. He loved dogs, and almost always had a well-trained Labrador or Golden Retriever by his side throughout his life. In his fifties, Fred got his first tattoo—a portrait of Atlas holding up the World, as an homage to his favorite writer and philosopher, Ayn Rand. He believed in working hard, playing hard, and that being average was boring. He believed that punctuality was the ultimate sign of respect. Fred loved to travel and made it a point to travel with his kids and his brother whenever possible. He was a self-taught musician and played beautiful melodies on the harmonica, recorder, and piano. He was an incredible storyteller and could captivate a room with (mostly true) tales of his life and adventures.
Fred passed from health complications related to Lymphoma on August 16, 2022. He was fortunate enough to visit with and speak to most of the people he loved in his final days, including his children, his brother, his ex-wife, Barbara Simmons, and great friend and employee, Tanya Williams. He left us surrounded by his children, and well-loved by his family and friends. He is survived by his brother, Bob Simmons, his sister, June Craig, his children, Jessica Simmons, Stephen Simmons, Rachel Jackson, and Sarah Simmons, a host of nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, and his dog, Storm. He will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be held at Zellman Funeral Home, P.A., 123 S. Washington St., Havre de Grace, MD, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm on Friday, September 9, 2022. A Memorial Service will follow at 5 PM, at Van Diver Inn, 301 S. Union Avenue, Havre de Grace, MD.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Aberdeen Boys and Girls Club, http://bgcharfordcecil.org.
Online condolences may be made at www.zellmanfuneralhome.com.