Robert J. Simmons

Robert J. Simmons
1943-2023

It is with great sorrow to announce the passing of Robert J. Simmons. Bob passed away peacefully at home on Monday, September 25th 2023, with his loving wife and family by his side.

Bob was a kind, thoughtful and brave man. He was the “Clark Kent of Superman” and will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by the many lives he touched. Bob has left a void in our world that can never be filled.

Bob was born in Peterborough, Ontario on January 18th, 1943, to Robert Charles and Ann Simmons. The Simmons family moved to Goshen, IN then later to LaGrange Park, IL. Bob graduated from the University of Illinois Champaign and later earned his Master’s in Management from Northwestern University.

Bob leaves behind the love of his life, wife Teresa, his cherished brother Jack (Karen) Simmons, his devoted daughters Suzanne Bohan, Stephanie Simmons and daughter-in-law April Simmons. His legacy will live on in his six grandchildren - Kelsey, Griffin (Becca), Megan, Trey, Jenna and Sean. “Uncle Bob” was loved by his three nephews - Drew, Dean (Annie) and Tyler (Theresa). Bob was predeceased by his parents and his son, Bobby Jr.

Throughout his career, Bob was a trailblazer and he was chosen to lead an elite team that changed the way healthcare products are purchased by hospitals worldwide. 

After graduating from the University of Illinois, Bob was recruited by American Hospital Supply Corporation in 1965. He held several leadership positions in sales within the company and retired as Executive Vice President soon after Baxter acquired AHSC. Throughout his career, Bob was a trailblazer and he was chosen to lead an elite team that changed the way healthcare products are purchased by hospitals worldwide. Bob served on many healthcare company boards as well as the Lake Forest Hospital board. He was a founding member of the Health Insights Group.

In 1999, on a blind date, Bob met his “Lois Lane" in Teresa - his wife of 23 years. After traveling the world to attend Grand Slam tennis events, the couple purchased a condo in Longboat Key, FL and became “snowbirds” to escape the winters of Lake Forest, IL. Not long after, the couple made the paradise of Longboat Key their fulltime residence and enjoyed many visits from winter weary family and friends.

Bob quickly became involved in the LBK community and served as President of their condo board then becoming President of the Bay Isles board - an umbrella board that encompasses over 1500 condos and homes. Thru the LBK Rotary Club, Bob helped establish and manage a Food Pantry for many years at a Title 1 elementary school in Sarasota.

There has to be pleasure in paradise and Bob excelled at sports - especially tennis! When a dear friend passed, Bob kept his legacy alive by running “The Ruff Group” - a men’s tennis group where dear friendships were made and great tennis was played at the Longboat Key Club Tennis Center.

Whether running a company, a board meeting or a tennis match - Bob was always a gentleman and a gentle man. He could resolve issues and calm tempers with his ability to listen before speaking. Even when he received the devastating diagnosis of ALS, Bob was gallant and brave in the face of the disease that took so much from him.

A Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life are being planned. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bob’s name to the Tidewell Foundation 3550 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239 (855)843-3935.

DONATIONS:
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bob’s name to the Tidewell Foundation 3550 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239 (855)843-3935.