PORT CLYDE — Ronald A. Simmons, 86, of Port Clyde passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at the Sussman House after a long illness.

Ronald was born April 19, 1938 to Ivan Hoyt Simmons and Doris Eleanor Murphy in Rockland, Maine. He attended school in St. George before moving to Connecticut with his family.

Ronald served in the Air National Guard for 25 years and earned his GED during his time enlisted. He enjoyed working as a aircraft mechanic in the Air National Guard in Connecticut.

Ronald married Jean Elizabeth Flenke on May 13, 1961 in East Hartford Connecticut. In 1967 they moved back to Maine. At that time Ronald went on to purse seine with Clyde Teele and stop seine fishing with Sonny Lehtinen, then lobstering until he was 81. In 1985 he and his wife opened the Lighthouse Gift Shop on their dock in Port Clyde. Then opened the Puffin’s Nest in Damariscotta and Rockland.

When Ronald wasn’t out fishing or working at the shops he went deer, turkey, moose and bear hunting with his family. He often attended local art openings, music and car events, and gun shows. But most of all he proudly supported his family by attending their events, sports and activities.

Ronald is predeceased by his parents and brother Dennis Simmons.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jean Simmons; son Todd and wife Kim of South Thomaston; daughter Ann and husband Tim Hoppe of Martinsville; son Travis and wife Stephanie of Port Clyde; brothers Dana and wife Rita, Neil and wife Rayetta, Mark and wife Rhea; grandchildren Tanya Simmons, Emma Simmons, Chloe Simmons Mya Simmons, Ivan Simmons, Leah and husband Ivan Dzintars, Cortney Simmons, Eli Carleton and wife Katie, Hunter Hoppe, Brooke Hoppe; step great grandsons Ray and Leo Carleton, and great granddaughter Riley Johnson.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at 11 a.m., at Burpee Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home  A reception to follow.

A private interment will take place at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. George Ambulance P.O Box 249 Tenants Harbor, ME 04860.

To share a memory or condolence with Ronald’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.