Donald R. Simmons

Donald R. Simmons, age 80, of Manchester, Connecticut, and formerly of Coventry, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2025, at Manchester Rehab and Healthcare surrounded by loving family and friends. Donald Richard Simmons, born in Manchester, Connecticut, to John and Mary Simmons. They lived a life full of kindness, generosity, and dedication to their loved ones and community. Don’s passing leaves a void in the heart of his family and friends. He will be greatly missed. Donald is survived by his wife, Nancy Wilson McConnell Simmons, residing in Coventry, Connecticut. Nancy and Don spent over 34 years together traveling and enjoying life together. She was the love of his life. They were the quintessential loving and caring husband and wife with generosity and kindness to each other. They were a joy to be with and relished their time with family and friends. Through his marriage to Nancy, he is survived by Doreen and William Nevue, Kelli McConnell, Devin McConnell, his grandsons, Gary Nevue and Zachary Nevue, as well as many cherished family members and friends. Don became a father and grandfather figure to his beloved adopted family. He is also survived by his two brothers, Michal J. Simmons and his wife Joan Simmons of Cape Coral, Florida, and John C. Simmons of Providence, Rhode Island. He leaves an extended Simmons family of nieces and nephews. James Simmons and his wife Bonnie Simmons of South Windsor, Connecticut, Michael Simmons and his wife Traci Simmons of Shrewsberry, Massachusetts, David Simmons of Cape Corl, Florida, and Jeff Simmons and his wife Mellissa Simmons of Bolivia, North Carolina. Don is also survived by Brad, Amanda, Kyle, Conor, Liana, and Taresa Simmons, all grand nieces and nephews who adored their grand uncle. Don graduated from Manchester High School where he was a member of the Student Council from his Freshman year to his Senior year. Don was also a three sports star in Baseball, Basketball and Football. He was the Co-caption of his high school football team. Don’s commitment to sports continued throughout his life as he and his mother, Mary Simmons, where local, state and national duck pin bowling champs. They both played on the professional tour together. Don played in the local softball leagues as he maintained life-long friendships. Don also took to golfing as he was known to play with many family members. The family became more important than the game and he would never say no to a family round of golf. Don attended the University of Norther Carolina and Upper Iowa University before returning to Manchester to start a career in sales. Don was the epitome of a salesperson. He took to selling and providing the best services to his customers who became his real friends. He forged through work long, term friendships and bonds. Whether it was UConn women’s basketball team or people who wanted to know what their next car was going be, they would come to Don as they trusted him to do the right thing by them. And that he did for over thirty years before retiring from Lynch Toyota. Nancy and Don’s family want to thank the staff at Manchester Manor for their care of Don over the last two years. They made his last years as enjoyable and comfortable as possible, especially “Georgie”. She took special care of him and Nancy. The family cannot thank them enough. To remember his life, the family will have a private celebration of life in his honor. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Donald R Simmons’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved them. To leave a condolence online for the family, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com