John Simmons, Somers Doctor, Dies at 88

John Simmons, M.D. died at his Heritage Hills home in Somers on Saturday, in the loving care of his family. He was 88.

Simmons was born on April 18, 1924 in Monessen, PA to Raymond and Ura B. (“Billie”) Simmons (nee Young). He graduated from Peoria Central High School in 1941, Dartmouth College in 1944 and New York University College of Medicine in 1948. He interned at French Hospital of New York and was a resident physician at Bellevue Hospital from 1950 to 1952. He served in the US Air Force Reserve from 1952 to 1954 and was honorably discharged with the rank of captain.

Dr. Simmons was predeceased by his parents,; his brother Raymond, Jr.; his sister Elizabeth; his first wife Martha Frances (“Fran”) Simmons (nee Maurice), from whom he was divorced; and his second wife, Elissa (“Liz”) Logan Simmons (nee Mayer). He is survived by his children: Meg Simmons Stofsky (Erik), from Golden’s Bridge, Mark Simmons from Binghamton, Tim Simmons (Susan) from Merrimac, MA and Wende Simmons Owen, from Gasquet, CA; his step-children: Tina Kaim (James) from Yorktown Heights and David Logan (Sara) from Newburyport, MA; 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Also surviving is his dear friend and companion, Nancy Leopold.

Dr. Simmons was best known for his work as a licensed physician who practiced the art and science of medicine with intelligence, passion, integrity and pride for more than 60 years. He was enormously proud of his role in developing Putnam Hospital Center, being the longest serving member of its medical staff and for his public service as deputy commissioner of Public Health for Putnam County for 22 years.  

He was a member of the American Medical Association, Putnam County Medical Society and the American Association of Internal Medicine (serving as President in 1992). But his greatest pleasure and brilliance as a physician was in his one-to-one connection with and commitment to the health and well-being the thousands of patients from Putnam, Westchester and Dutchess counties he served since 1952.

In addition to his professional interests, Dr. Simmons will also be remembered for enjoying life to the fullest. He loved to ski and play golf until he was 84, and continued to play bridge, garden, cook, read and write letters to newspaper editors on matters of public concern until a few short weeks before his death. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A private memorial service to celebrate his life will be held by the family on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to honor his memory may do so with a contribution in his name to Putnam Hospital Center or the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements were handled by Beecher Funeral Home (located on Putnam Avenue in Brewster, 845-279-3615).