Obituary of Ronald F. Simmons

Ronald Frederick “Ron” Simmons, of Glastonbury, Connecticut, died March 19, 2026, at Hartford Hospital following a brief illness. He was 84. Born September 25, 1941, in Hartford, he grew up in Simsbury and later made Glastonbury his longtime home.

Ron married Katherine (Murray) Simmons on July 10, 1976, in Simsbury. He is survived by Kathy and by his sister, Barbara Simmons. He was predeceased by his parents, Wilbur Gage Simmons and Marion Jeannette (Pothier) Simmons and by his brother, Wilbur Gage Simmons, Jr.

A 1959 graduate of Simsbury High School, where he served as class president, Ron earned a B.A. from the University of Connecticut, majoring in Biology with minors in Physics and Mathematics. He also completed graduate coursework at Northeastern University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Over a wide-ranging career, Ron served as a research assistant at Harvard Medical School and went on to senior project and applications management roles spanning biomedical engineering, environmental product testing and applications research, nuclear power, and complex telecommunications systems. His professional journey included work at G.D. Searle & Company, Damon Corporation, Canberra Industries, Bristol Babcock, and General Datacomm Inc. 

In retirement, Ron volunteered with dedication at Mystic Seaport Museum, working in the shipyard and with navigation instruments. He was a racing and car aficionado, amateur photographer, downhill skier, and sailor.

Ron was cremated, and his ashes will be scattered in a private remembrance by his family. To honor Ron’s memory, donations may be made to Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, Connecticut. For online condolences please visit www.mulryanfh.com.