Frank Butler "Fritz" Simms

Frank Butler "Fritz" Simms, 76, died Jan. 6 surrounded by loved ones at Abington Manor, Clarks Summit. He and his wife, Rebecca Newman Simms, would have been married 27 years at the end of this month. His first marriage ended in divorce. He was the son of Frank A. Simms and Janet B. Simms.

Fritz lived in Scranton until the third grade, when his family moved to Clarks Green. He graduated from Clarks Summit-Clarks Green Joint Schools in 1951. He graduated from Blair Academy the following year, and from Dartmouth College in 1956. His academic years were highlighted by football, playing the positions of center and linebacker. He played in the Dream Game 1951, on an undefeated team at Blair, and for Dartmouth. He was mentioned on the All Ivy Football Team.

At the end of his academic career, he served in the U.S. Army in France as a cryptic technician. Returning, he joined U.S. Steel in Pittsburgh, later assigned to Florida. He also was with Cyclops Steel after returning north. He retired as owner of Fritz Simms Associates.

Fritz was the founder of the NEPA Chaucerian Club, member of the Church of the Epiphany, a certificate member of the Scranton Country Club and a board member of the Abington Rotary Club. He was known for his sense of humor, particularly at the "Bad Boys Table."

Fritz enjoyed entertaining by playing and singing old-time tunes on the piano. He and friends formed a trio called Intensive Care, performing at parties, weddings, and especially at nursing homes and assisted-living homes.

When he heard a voice starting to sing-along, he was especially inspired. He also delivered Meals on Wheels and volunteered for RSVP.

Becky and Fritz, when retired, traveled often. They drove up and down the East Coast to visit his sons, went west to Yellowstone, the Tetons, Alaska and several times north to the Maritime Provinces, their favorites, especially Prince Edward Island. Their trip to Wales with fellow Dartmouth Alumni was outstanding too.

Fritz was preceded in death by his parents and stepson, Peter Evans Shepherd. He is survived, in addition to his wife, by sons, Daniel Wilcox Simms and wife, Cheryl, Hartsville S.C.; Michael "Nano" Hawkins Simms and wife, Kimberly, Palm Gardens, Fla.; stepdaughter, Sarah Christine Shepherd, Camden, Maine; sister, Cornelia Simms Savage, Auburn, Ala.; grandchildren, Morgan Mackenzie Simms, Madeline Darling Simms, Olivia Faith Simms, Michael Leighton Simms and stepson, Oliver Lee Jones, IV, Noni and Mumu Murithi; nieces and nephews.

Family and friends wish to thank the loving care Fritz received, especially at Abington Manor and his aides from Interim Healthcare.

A memorial service will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Epiphany in Glenburn. Interment will be at the convenience of the family in Clarks Green Cemetery.

Friends may call on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may go to the Salvation Army, 214 Luzerne St., Pittston, PA 18643; or Meals on Wheels, 541 Wyoming Ave., Scranton, PA 18505.