Richard Abraham Simmon

Richard “Dickie” Abraham Simmon, 68, passed away at 7pm on May 6, 2020 at home surrounded by family after an extended illness. Memorial services will be held later in the year once restrictions have been lifted.

Richard was born August 5, 1951 in Montego Bay, Jamaica to Jameelia (Bethlehem, Palestine) and Jacob Simmon (Santiago, Cuba). Upon completion of school, he joined Her Majesty’s Royal Artillery, Special Forces where he proudly served across the globe for over a decade in classified missions as well as a Drill Sergeant in later years. Upon his military retirement, Richard and his family lived in England, Jamaica, and South Florida where he was an integral component of the construction industry of the eighties. Following a debilitating motorbike accident, Richard and his family resided in England where he worked in the business offices of UPS until his retirement, whereafter he split his time between England and Florida.

Richard was a proud husband, but more so a dedicated father and family member. Family meant more to him than anything and he would do anything to help anyone no matter the cost to himself. He loved nothing more than family gatherings where he could wind up his nieces and nephews, play pranks, or simply dote on all the younger family members. Hours were spent around the kitchen table providing counseling, partaking in heated discussions, playing games, retelling of countless stories or just simply being. Richard was an avid an animal lover, particularly dogs and was usually not far from one. Richard was fearless and enjoyed all manner of sports, particularly adrenaline inducing ones as well as his beloved Liverpool Football club. He was also a lover of all music, but particularly Bob Marley, Motown, Classic Rock, Disco and music of the 60’s and 70’s. Richard was a well respected and beloved member of the community and to all who knew him, a profound loss will be felt.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years Josephine (nee Mawdsley); two sons, David (Joanne) and Richard Jnr; a daughter, Joanna Jameelia (Chris); and one granddaughter Emily Elizabeth, who he affectionally referred to as his little pumpkin. He is also survived by one brother: Philip and two sisters: Elizabeth Wyness and Patricia Sheridan; and countless nieces, nephews and cousins across the world. Preceding him in death were his parents, his sister Beverley Ziadie, his son, and his nephew Rodney Wyness.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s memory can be made to the ABF The Soldiers Charity and/or the Maggie Center. Please see links below.

https://soldierscharity.org/donate/make-donation/

https://www.maggies.org/get-involved/donate-maggies/