Robert L. Simons

Hampton - Robert Leland Simons, 95, a long-time Hampton resident, passed suddenly on January 28, 2013 at his home. He was born November 12, 1917 in Deerfield, the same day as his mother, the late Eva Davis Simons who was a teacher in Hampton Falls and Seabrook and who took pride in her DAR heritage; and the late Herman George Simons of Hampton, employed by the US Postal Service and who once delivered mail by stagecoach. He graduated from Hampton Academy, Class of 1936, having played baseball and football and the clarinet in the band. He was a passionate sailor, owning many recreation boats over a lifetime. A licensed HAM Radio operator at age 17, his radio skills led him to General Electric in Lynn, MA to work on aircraft engines. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1943, and was sent to Bermuda, Spain, Africa, and Italy, specializing as a radio man, earning the rank of Chief Petty Officer. While on leave he met Ruth Eaton of Springfield and Boston. They married on February 3, 1945 and enjoyed nearly 64 years together. Beginning their married life in Hampton, Robert became a call firefighter before employment for 30 years at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. He worked in Design Shop 67 as an electronics technician on quality control and strain gauges for the submarine fleet. He travelled extensively for the Navy, receiving training in San Diego, Great Lakes, Winston-Salem, and Groton. He was a man of many interests, including fishing, lobstering, sailing, power boating, and gardening. He took great pride in building the family's home from plans and lumber that arrived in a boxcar from Liberty Homes. He also had a home-based radio & television business which had many faithful followers long after he "officially' retired. Upon retirement, Bob and Ruth enjoyed winters in Highland Lakes, FL and resumed playing golf and shuffleboard. They were active promoters of the Grasshoppers as members of Highland Lakes and Exeter Country Clubs, each scored several holes-in-one, and were winners of many annual golf events at both clubs. They enjoyed travelling to Europe and cruising in the Caribbean, where they met the parents of son-in-law (now deceased) Eddy M Preval, Dr. LeRoi and Tia'man Preval of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. He was a long-time fan of the Boston Red Sox, Celtics, and Patriots. He enjoyed cooking and reflected on his school days as a fry cook at Palmer's Fried Clam Restaurant, an institution at North Beach. He faithfully attended services at the First Congregational Church of Hampton and enjoyed membership in many service organizations including the American Legion, NARFE and the VFW. Family members will miss his cultivation of delicious tomatoes every summer, his uncanny knack of bargains at summer yard sales with 'mentee's' and fellow HAM aficionados Kim and Ginny Clough, and his innate ability to repair and reengineer almost anything on one's "honey-do" lists. He leaves his daughters Nancy (husband Phillip McDonough) of Rye, and Joan Preval of Arlington, MA; granddaughters Christina Preval of Somerville, MA and Elizabeth Preval of Medford, MA; grandson Jeffrey Preval of Buffalo, NY; and great-grandson Anthony Aiken of Arlington. In addition to his parents and his loving wife, he was predeceased by brothers Richard, Russell, and sister Martha Simons. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the First Congregational Church's "God's Baby Closet" or its Building Fund, 127 Winnacunnet Rd, Hampton, NH 03842. Visitation was held- Time: 1 - 2 P.M. Date: Saturday, March 16, 2013 Location: Remick & Gendron Funeral Home Address: 811 Lafayette Road, Hampton Directions to Visitation & Service Services were held - Time: 2 P.M. Date: Saturday, March 16, 2013 Location: Remick & Gendron Funeral Home Address: 811 Lafayette Road, Hampton Interment - Private

Robert L. Simons

November 12, 1917 - January 28, 2013