Born in Brooklyn, New York, on July 8, 1936. Bob graduated from Oceanside High School and proudly served in the US Army as a Military Police Officer, stationed in Germany. Upon his return from service, Mr. Sims graduated from Hofstra University and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. Mr. Sims enjoyed a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry as an executive for Merck. He joined Merck in 1968 at its US headquarters in West Point, Pennsylvania. He held various positions of increasing responsibility in both its domestic and international pharmaceutical divisions, including assignments in the United Kingdom and with the Johnson & Johnson-Merck over-the-counter pharmaceutical joint venture. Mr. Sims retired from Merck in 1993.
In retirement, he initially lived in Bucks County, Pennsylvania and then relocated with his wife Sandy to Naples, Florida in 2002. Mr. and Mrs. Sims were members of Lookaway Golf Club in Bucks County, Pennsylvania and Quail Creek Estates Country Club in Naples, Florida.
Mr. Sims was an avid reader, enjoyed golfing, travel and his dogs. Bob’s heartbeat “Gigi,” his Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, was by his side in his last moments.
Bob was pre-deceased by his parents, Ambrose T. Sims and Marie Bitterli Sims, along with his twin sisters, Joan Sims Borge and Marie Sims Mulligan.
Mr. Sims is survived by his loving wife Sandy, sons Robert D. Sims and his wife Kelly Sims, James W. Sims and his wife Jessica Sims, and daughter Diane Sims Dieter.
Bob’s twelve grandchildren were a source of pride and endless joy. They are Zachary Sims, Jacob Sims, Rachael Sims, Abigail Sims, Kathryn Sims and Matthew Sims; Joshua Dieter, Jeremy Dieter, Justin Dieter, and Jordyn Dieter; and Ashley Sims and Emily Sims.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Agnes Catholic Church on May 7, 2018 at 11:00 AM. Inurnment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to AVOW Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105 or to Alzheimer’s Support Network 660 Tamiami Trail N #21, Naples, FL 34102.
