Richard Lawrence Simmons "Dick"

Richard Lawrence Simmons “Dick” died peacefully in New Orleans on July 4, 2026, after a brief illness at the age of 85. He was surrounded by family on the 250th anniversary of the country he so dearly loved.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on December 30, 1940, he was the son of Agnes O’Meara and James Gordon Simmons. Dick graduated from Wyoming High School, where he was an accomplished student-athlete and was inducted into its Athletic Hall of Fame. He attended the United States Naval Academy, graduating with a BS in 1962, where he played Freshman Football and rowed crew for the Midshipmen. He served aboard the USS Ethan Allen and the USS Lafayette, both ballistic missile submarines and part of the legendary “41 for Freedom” fleet that was America’s silent deterrent throughout the Cold War. He earned his Dolphins, the mark of a fully qualified submariner, and left the Navy as a Naval Lieutenant. He earned an MBA from Tulane University in 1971.

Dick married Georgia Ann Monsted in 1963 after meeting on a blind date. They were married for 48 years and together raised four children before her passing in 2011. They shared a loving and full life together. Dick was married in 2013 to Elizabeth “Betsy” Shaw Nalty. Their marriage was rich with love, laughter, travel, time spent with family, many friendships and summers spent in the mountains of North Carolina.

Dick spent his adult life in New Orleans. He built a successful 25-year career as an insurance executive. He volunteered his time to St. Mary’s Church, the Garden District Association, Courtwatch NOLA, and Metairie Park Country Day School. He was a member of the New Orleans Country Club, Boston Club, several Carnival organizations, and the United States Senior Golf Association where he had many dear friends.

Dick always put family first. He was a devoted husband and a generous brother, father, grandfather, friend, and employer. Over the years he could be found cheering on his children and grandchildren from the sidelines and supporting them in all they did. He valued hard work in every aspect of his life, guided always by a strong moral compass. He was known for his hearty laugh, big smile, and strong opinions. He was a voracious reader of history, politics, and biography; with a book in hand and his loved ones nearby, he was happy. Dick was deeply religious, funny, patriotic, passionate, opinionated, brilliant, impatient, loyal, and dedicated.

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth “Betsy” Nalty Simmons; his four children, Ashley Bright (Edgar), Richard Simmons Jr. (Julie), Walker Simmons (Liz) of Charlotte, N.C. and Evelyn Kissel (Peter) of Bernardsville, N.J. He was also the grandfather of Ella Baldwin (Chris), Edgar Bright IV (Kathryn), Walker Bright (Mary Ilene), Katherine Roser (Austin), Richard Simmons III, Walker Simmons Jr., Macie Simmons, Eli Simmons, Georgia Kissel, Peter Kissel, James Kissel, and Graham Kissel. In recent years, he welcomed five great-grandchildren.

Dick is also survived by his four stepchildren: Donald Nalty Jr. (Angie), Morgan Nalty (Becky Bigelow) of Livingston, MT, Helen Butcher (Kim), and Elizabeth Nalty; and by his step-grandchildren, Layne, Morgan Elizabeth, William (Summer), Price (Ali), Laura, Martin, Madison, and Emily. He is also survived by his brothers, Thomas Simmons (Elisa) and James Simmons, both of California.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Georgia Monsted Simmons; his parents; his sister, Nancy Simmons Berger; and his step-grandchild, Abby.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the memorial Mass at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 6367 Saint Charles Ave. in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at noon. The visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the Georgia Simmons Leadership Fund at Metairie Park Country Day School, 300 Park Road, Metairie, LA 70005.

To view and sign the online guest book, please visit LakeLawnMetairie.com