Thomas J. Simmons, widower and father of five, died Wednesday, February 3, 1999 of heart failure. He was 72 and lived his entire life in the Kensington section of Philadelphia.Thro...view moreThomas J. Simmons, widower and father of five, died Wednesday, February 3, 1999 of heart failure. He was 72 and lived his entire life in the Kensington section of Philadelphia.Through the publication of his book, “Heaven, Fact or Fiction”, he describes his experiences with the passing of his beloved wife, Mickey. It was the grief of this loss, along with the inspiration of Father John O’Rourke, OSA, that motivated Tom to ut pen to paper and attempt to soothe the grief and anguish that accompanies the passing of a loved one.Born to Catherine and Gerald Simmons in 1927 and raised in Kensington along with his sister Gerry and brother, Joe, Simmons graduated from North East High School in 1944 and joint the U.S. Army Air Corps. His dedication and commitment to the Boy Scouts of America lasted for many years. He met the love of his life, Mickey Dawson, in 1958. Together, they raised five children and truly enjoyed life to the fullest until Mickey’s passing in 1979.Simmons proved to be an ambassador of Philadelphia. Proud of his city and his neighborhood, much of his life was spend enjoying what our City of Brotherly Love has to offer and sharing the experiences with family and friends. He especially enjoyed treating friends from out of town to a taste of Philly.Tom Simmons was a man of conviction, strength, compassion and honor and will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all the people who were touched by his words and actions. Comfort can be found in knowing that he is with is dearest Mickey again, at long last.Survivors include his father, Gerald T. Simmons (dec’d February 12, 2001); brother, Joseph W. Simmons; children, Bernadette (Simmons) Moyer, John E. (dec’d December 18, 2011), Daniel L., Peter B. and Joseph H. Sickman, Sr.; along with five grandchildren (now six), three great-grandchildren (now six) , one great-great grandchild and many nieces and nephews.view less