Gary Lee Simmons, 73, of Blairsville, PA passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Lynn Haven Personal Care Home, Black Lick, PA.
The son of Charles L. and Mary L. (Grove) Simmons, he was born weighing 1.5 lbs. on January 14, 1952, in Detroit, MI. He was affectionately named “Tom Thumb” by the nurses who cared for him at the hospital.
Gary was a graduate of Derry Area High School, Class of 1972 and worked for Keystone Blind Association at Boyer Mining in Pittsburgh until his retirement in 2023.
He was a volunteer for the American Blind Association and Guide Dogs of America.
Surviving are his four siblings, Nancy Tressler of Livona, MI., Mary Marsh (Jess) of Meadville, Charles K. Simmons (Ann) of Bremerton, WA., and Charlene Feldbusch (Brace) of Blairsville; several nieces and nephews; and close friends, Bill Feldbusch and Joe Sabedra.
He was preceded in death by his parents, maternal grandparents, Grace Vivian and Thomas Grove, and paternal grandparents, Gertrude and Charles L. Simmons.
Per Gary’s wishes there will be no visitation.
Inurnment will be on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 11 AM in the Blairsville Cemetery, Blairsville.
A special thank you to Bill Feldbusch, Jeremy & Cardin Feldbusch, Shaun Feldbusch and Carly, Brian and Lance, Ray and Terry and all of Gary’s medical team throughout the years.
The family is requesting memorial donations to Guide Dogs of America in Gary’s memory.
https://give.guidedogsofamerica.org/campaign/651822/donate
To view the online obituary, sign the guest book or send condolences, visit www.shoemakerfamilyservices.com.
