Harry J. Simmons, Sr.

Harry J. Simmons, Sr., 69, of Cincinnatus, NY, passed away on Thursday, November 22, 2012, at SUNY Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse, NY following an extended illness.

Harry was born in Miami, FL on January 30, 1943 and was raised by his grandmother, Celia Rayburn.  On September 1, 1958, he married Shirley Hartle, who predeceased him on July 29, 2011.  A longtime resident of Cincinnatus, he was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, South Otselic.  He was a self-employed carpenter who, in his spare time, enjoyed professional wrestling and NASCAR.

He is survived by his children, Jerry (Carol) Simmons of Cincinnatus, Robin (Bob) Theis of Cortland, and Harry (Mary) Simmons, Jr., of Cincinnatus.  He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Johnny (Kim Hayden) Morris, Jr., Amber (Jared Dicks) Simmons, and Cody Simmons; a great-grandchild, Kincade Morris; a sister, Debbie Shepard of Huvelton, NY; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his wife, Shirley Simmons, he was also predeceased by a brother, Robert Simmons, and a sister, Joanie.

Funeral services will be held at the K.L. Sharp Funeral Home, Cincinnatus, NY on Tuesday, November 27, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Eugene Jensen officiating.  Burial will be in East Riverside Cemetery, Gouverneur, NY, at the convenience of the family.  The family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Monday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Expressions of sympathy in memory of Harry may be directed to the Caring Community Hospice of Cortland, 11 Kennedy Parkway, Cortland, NY 13045.