Edward E. Simmons Jr.

SKOKIE, Ill. – Edward Earl Simmons, Jr. of Skokie, Ill. passed away at his home on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022.

He was born July 23, 1941 in Indianapolis, Ind., the son of Edward E. and Mary Jane (O’Neill) Simmons. He attended St. Thomas Aquinas for grade school and graduated from North Central High School in Indianapolis, Ind. After briefly attending the Citadel in Charleston, S.C. he earned his degree from Purdue University.

During his senior year of college he met the love of his life, Barbara (Munro) at her Phi Mu sorority house while she was sitting on a sofa wearing red hot pants and smoking a cigarette. After they married on Aug. 8, 1965 at St. Luke’s in Indianapolis, Ind., they set up housekeeping in Chicago, Ill.

Ed subsequently held leadership positions at the National Restaurant Association, the National Association of Realtors and the Northern Illinois Industrial Association, and later in his career ran blood drives for Life Source in northern Chicagoland. He also served as chair of the Parish Council at Queen of All Saints Basilica in Chicago, Ill. for several years.

Ed was known for his meticulous nature, which shone through in his hobbies, including building model trains, dollhouse miniatures, and crafting model fire trucks inspired by those he admired in real life. He appreciated candor and a good joke, and he loved sharing stories that brought laughter to those around him.

He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Barbara Ann Simmons; as well as his parents.

Survivors include his daughter Kathryn Mary “Kate” Simmons and her husband Steve Tillotson of Limerick; brothers Scott Simmons (Lisa Simmons) of Westfield, Ind., Jim Simmons of Fishers, Ind. and John Simmons of Bloomington, Ind., and sisters Elaine Stitle (Steve Stitle) of Indianapolis, Ind., and Ann Perk (David Perk) of Carmel, Ind., as well as brother-in-law, John Munro (Kathy Munro) of Midlothian, Va. and sister-in-law, Judi Gunn (Erik Gunn) of Madison, Wis.; and many nieces, nephews and their children.

Ed will be remembered for his humor and dedication to family and community. He is deeply missed. After a mass at Queen of All Saints Basilica, he was interred at Maryhill Catholic Cemetery, Niles, Ill.

Memorial contributions can be made to PAWS Chicago

Edward E. Simmons Jr.