Obituaries

Charles E. Simmons

Our Dad, Charles E. Simmons, died on Saturday night, March 6, 2010 after a brief, rapid decline in health.

Dad was born in Gallitzen, PA on August 25, 1916. His parents were the late Samuel Sylvester and Mary Josephine Bradley Simmons. His sisters, Margaret Marie Kelch died in 1984 and Rhoda Mae Malsi died in1968.

A son of a coal miner, Dad moved to Altoona, PA in 1928. He graduated from Altoona High School, class of 1934. After working in the Pennsylvania Railroad car shops, he joined the Pennsylvania State Police and graduated from the State Police Academy, Myerstown in April 1938. The class was part of the recruitment project called the “Ninety-Day-Wonders.” His first assignment took him to the last reunion of the Blue and Gray on the Fourth of July 1938 when the Peace Memorial was dedicated in Gettysburg. During his twenty-five year career as a State Trooper, Dad was stationed in Selingsgrove, Bedford, and Lancaster County. He retired April 15, 1963 as Corporal.

Dad came to Lancaster in March of 1941, but returned to Altoona on June 18, 1941 to marry Mary Margaret Reeder and brought her to Lancaster. Before Mom died in July 2008, Dad and Mom had celebrated sixty-seven years of marriage.

Retirement from the Pennsylvania State Police did not stop Dad’s career in law enforcement. From April 1963 through August 1986, Dad was Chief County Detective for Lancaster County. When Dad became County Detective, the District Attorney’s office consisted of the District Attorney, County Detective and a secretary.

He was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, where he served many years ushering. He was a member of the Lions Club: the Fraternal Order of Police, the Lancaster County Law Enforcement Association, the Retired State Police Association and the American Association of State Police. He was a charter member and past president of the Robert Lapp Lodge, Post 66.

He is survived by three children: MaryAnn wife of Glenn E. Hess, Charles R. Simmons, Donald L. husband of Carol Ament Simmons. Dear to his heart were his grandchildren; Karen and Kenneth Milligan, Jennifer and George Bisignani, Kathryn and William Saltzer, Lisa and Jason Flood, C. Matthew Simmons, Scott Simmons and Justin Simmons and his great grandchildren: Zachary, Zane, Noah, Timothy, Logan, Abigail and Madeline.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 501 E. Orange Street, Lancaster, PA on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 11:00AM with Rev. Daniel Mitzel as Celebrant. Interment will be in Conestoga Memorial Park. Friends may pay their respects to the family at the church on Wednesday from 10-11:00AM. Please omit flowers. Contributions may be made in Charles’s memory to Hospice of Lancaster County, P O Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604. Arrangements are by the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home and Chapel. To send online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com

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Dear Don and Carol,

We were so sorry to read about the death of Don’s dad, Scott and Justin’s granddad. It was a beautifully written tribute and our thoughts are with you as you mourn his loss.

Scott and Steve were such good buddies. The memories they share will always remain, as your family’s wonderful memories of those who have passed on. God bless you all at this time.

With sympathy,
Deb and Rich Young

Mary Ann, Chuck, Don,
We’re sorry to hear of the loss of your dad.  I thank you Mary Ann for the call Sunday morning.  What a loss, I found your dad to be a very caring man.  He often spoke highly of his children and grandchildren in many of our conversations.  I always got a kick when he would call himself an s.o.b.  Of course I’d only tell him I’ve never seen this.  I’ll miss talking with him, but have great comfort knowing that his ordeal is over and is beside Mrs. Simmons now and that both are having the rewards of heaven.

Sincerely,
Jerry Wetzel and family

Our heartfelt sorry to the family, I knew Charlie very well.
Cpl Hank Wells (Ret)& family

My deepest condolences.  My name is Pete Chimienti and I was a Trooper from 1968 to 1999 stationed at Troop "J" Lancaster.  I knew Charlie all those years and he was one of the nicest persons I ever met.
     I just put my brother into an assisted living center and I have a very important appointment with the Social Security office about his money he receives and I must make that appointment on Wed. the 10th of March or I would certainly be there at Charlies service. 
Thank You,
Pete Chimienti (PSP-Ret)

It is with deep sorrow and regret that I read the Obituary of your Dad in this morning’s paper.  I met Charlie in the mid 1950’s and have known him since then.  I consider him a dear friend to this very day.  I knew and saw him frequently at the Retiree Breakfasts down at the Gap Diner. We had many, many wonderful conversations.  I will miss him more than words can say.
Warmly,
Jim Landis
1976 Troop "J" Retired Troop Office Manager

I WILL KEEP BOTH CHARLIE AND HIS FAMILY IN MY PRAYERS.  I AM SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS AND SO VERY SORRY I CAN NOT BE THERE TO SAY MY FAREWELL TO A REALLY GREAT GUY.

JIM MINNICH, PA STATE POLICE RETIRED.

Please accept my most sincere condolences in the passing of your Father.
I became acquainted with Charlie at our monthly breakfast of retirees at the Gap Diner. He had a great sense of humor and his stories about his job related adventures from years past always brought a laugh from the attendees.
I always looked forward to seeing him at these and other functions. He was a credit to the Pennsylvania State Police, a good man and I have no doubt he was a good husband and father. I will always be proud to say he was a good friend and a former comrade in arms. I will miss him a lot.
John F. Lesher, Pennsylvania State Police (retired). Leesport, Pa.

As a young trooper assigned to the State Police in Lancaster on 1962 I had the pleasure of working under your father, an experience that was truly rewarding.  I later worked with him in Ephrata.  His caring, Kindness and overall good nature will always remain with me.

I know you will miss him and I will too.

Dear Mary Ann, Charles and Donald and Families.  My sincere condolences of the Loss of your Father.  Uncle Charlie held a special place in my heart from the time I was two.  Your terrible loss is mine also.  He will be sorely missed. 
Your Cousin Violet Bessie (Reeder) Brosart

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