Edward Kenneth Simons, who was known as Kenny, died of complications of Parkinson’s disease on Nov. 20 in Naples, Fla. Formerly of Springs, he was 80 and had been diagnosed two years ago.
Mr. Simons had worked as a Volkswagen mechanic in the 1960s and ‘70s, then as a truck driver for a number of sand, gravel, and cement companies, including Suffolk Cement, and as an electrician with Springs Electric. For a time he was a security guard for the Lely Resort in Naples, where he had lived since 1999.
His hobbies ranged from flying remote-control planes to motorcycle riding, boating, collecting antique guns, and visiting the gun range for practice. “He never sat still,” his daughter, Gail Simons of Springs, said. He also enjoyed camping and had done so all over the country.
He was born at Southampton Hospital on Dec. 13, 1941, to Edward C. Simons, known as Edgie, and the former Evelyn Smith. He grew up in East Hampton and graduated with East Hampton High School’s class of 1959 before enlisting in the Army in the 1960s. He was stationed in Germany.
Returning here after his service, in 1968 he married Joyce Stinson. They had two children before their divorce in 1975.
He and Diane M. Columbus were married on March 4, 1978. She survives him.
Mr. Simons was a member of the East Hampton Presbyterian Church and a volunteer East Hampton firefighter from the 1960s through the 1980s. In Florida he was a member of the Lely Presbyterian Church and the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
In addition to his wife and daughter, he is survived by a son, Edward (Kenny) Simons Jr. of Springs, a sister, Karen Johns of Saratoga, N.Y., and two grandchildren, Jonathan and McKenzie Simons. He also leaves two nephews and two nieces. His sister Gaylle Anne Simons died in childhood.
Mr. Simons was cremated. His ashes will be buried with honors at a national cemetery in Florida. Services will be held at a later date.
His family has suggested contributions to Humane Society Naples, 370 Airport-Pulling Road North, Naples, Fla. 34104.
