William G. Simmons

William G. Simmons, 83, of Berkshire, NY, left peacefully, while surrounded by his family, on October 9, 2013 after a lengthy illness.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley (Sharp) Simmons; his children, William “Jim” (Cheryl), Diana (Craig) Mueller, and Michael (Mary Beth); his grandchildren, Autumn (John) Lavine, Cherish Belle Simmons, William E. (Paula) Simmons, Jessica (Jeff) Smith, Douglas (Danielle) Meuller, Michael (April) Simmons, and Allison Simmons.  He also leaves behind his great-grandchildren, Riley and Zechariah Levine, Cherish Nicole, Allyah, April, Kathryn, and William Camden Simmons, Alexander, Hannah, and Ryan Smith, Aiden and Blake Simmons, and Baby Mueller, expected in April 2014; and his little friend and companion, Izzy.

Bill was a lifetime resident of Berkshire, born on January 20, 1930, to the late William A. and Ina Reynolds Simmons.  A 1948 graduate from Newark Valley Central School, Bill was very active in the Berkshire community where he was a lifetime member of the Berkshire United Methodist Church and the Berkshire Fire Department.  For many years, he was a member of the Berkshire Grange, Tioga County IDA and LDC.  He had also served as a councilman for the Berkshire Town Board.  He helped develop the Berkshire History Buffs, serving as President for several years, and organized the Heritage Day held in September from 1986 to 2011.  Prior to his retirement, he had worked at G.E. and then at Ozalid, for several years.  After leaving Ozalid, he worked with his son at Simmons Needs and Feeds in Berkshire.

Funeral services will be held at the Berkshire United Methodist Church, Berkshire, NY on Saturday, October 12, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Vicki Andrews officiating.  The family will be present to receive friends at the church on Saturday from 12:00 noon until the start of the service at 2:00 p.m.  Expressions of sympathy in memory of Bill may be directed to the Berkshire Free Library or the Helping Hands Food Pantry, c/o John and Joan Stoughton, 294 Ford Hill, Berkshire, NY 13736.