Ralph A Simmons

Bloomingdale, Illinois among family and friends after a battle with liver cancer. He was born

September 22, 1952 in Chicago, Illinois. Ralph was the son of the late Roger Simmons and

Pauline Conner. He was the second oldest of five children. Ralph accepted the Lord as his

personal savior at an early age. Ralph was baptized Catholic and attended Catholic school. He

graduated from Harlan High School and DeVry University in Chicago, Illinois. He also attended

the College of DuPage. Ralph retired from Motorola after more than 20 years of service as an

Electronics Technician.

The loving relationship between Ralph and Catherine produced one daughter, Rachel, one

granddaughter, Heaven and one grandson, Raphael.

Ralph was proud to be a sober recovering addict for 30 years and led Twelve-Step recovery

meetings in Chicago at Mercy Hospital and the University of Chicago Hospital. He celebrated

his sobriety at the annual Narcotics Anonymous Conventions at various locations throughout the

United States.

Ralph loved to laugh and was known for his quick wit and biting humor. He did not suffer fools

gladly. Ralph was a “no nonsense” fellow who set goals, went to work and celebrated his

successes. Ralph valued education and career success and showed up for every momentous

occasion possible. He believed in sharing the love and was an inspiration to family and friends

alike.

Among his nicknames were “Brother Bob”, “Pig”, and “Bob Berry Bramble Bush”. Ralph was fun

loving, athletic and lived life to its fullest. He enjoyed stepping to old school music, attending

concerts, playing golf, going rollerblading, eating good food and enjoying the finer things in life.

He loved chocolate candy, cakes and other sweets. He enjoyed taking pictures at family

reunions, cookouts and other cultural activities.

He did not let the challenges of life slow him down. Ralph believed in treating himself well and

vacationed in Mexico every Christmas season. Ralph traveled to Japan, Aruba, Cozumel, and

Jamaica to name a few of his favorites. He will be dearly missed by all particularly around

Christmas when he distributed cash gifts to his family.

Ralph is survived by his daughter, Rachel; granddaughter, Heaven; grandson, Raphael; sister,

Rosalind; brother, Ramon and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. His brothers Patrick and

Roger preceded him in death.

A Celebration of Life will be held in memory of Ralph at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 7750 West

Cermak Road, Forest Park, Illinois 60130 on March 23, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. With a Celebration of Life service at 3pm Phone:708-442-8500. Please join the family to reminisce, grieve, support each other or just share memories.