OBITUARY
Carl Simmons
April 9, 1954 – February 21, 2021
Carl Simmons April 9, 1954 - February 21, 2021 Brief is life, but love is long
Carl Gerard Simmons was born in the urban capital of the world, Harlem USA on April 9, 1954 to George L. Simmons and Carrie H. Simmons. Carl was their first-born child and only son. Growing up, Carl developed an affinity for music at an early age. He attended PS. 125 Elementary School, then JHS 43. His hard-working parents invested in his musical talent by finding the best piano teachers they could afford. This investment proved to give a great return when Carl was invited to play a concerto at Carnegie Hall at 14 years old.
Carl also discovered his love for travel and photography soon after. While attending The Dalton School, he joined a student abroad group to Haiti. He learned of an exchange summer camp counselor position in Sweden. He packed his bags and left 125th Street to spend a summer in wanderlust; learning a new culture and language. Carl graduated Dalton HS and entered Boston University to major in Soviet and Eastern European Studies. Always a step ahead of his peers and colleagues, he showed great achievement in college. During Carl’s final year at Boston U., he landed his first job in the travel industry with Garber Travel, then Trans World Airlines. TWA’s slogan was, “You’re Going to Like Us” and that he did. The Boston office relocated to NYC and Carl returned with TWA. After TWA folded, Carl entered the world of Executive and Luxury Travel with Stevens Travel Management in 1984.
He met his soulmate Tom in 1988, also a professional in the travel business. When Tzell Travel Leaders acquired Stevens in 2008, Carl became an independent contractor as Global Connexions LLC. He had built an illustrious clientele over the years. Carl worked hard and played equally as hard. He cultivated many lasting friendships with colleagues and clients.
Travel, music, language, photography, good cuisine, laughter, excellent work and self-determination define Carl Simmons. For several years, he made his home in Brooklyn NY. Around 2001 he moved to Astoria, NY and enjoyed the myriad of cuisines and cultures of this diverse neighborhood. Carl travelled the world, visited great cities and country sides, stayed in the most luxurious hotels and photographed it all!— yet he was a family man. Carl loved visiting family on birthdays and especially the holidays when our eclectic cuisine flowed between Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. In later years he slowed down somewhat to enjoy quiet weekends with Tom (between their extensive travel schedules) watching movies and resting. He created his own good life. Through his years, he faced obstacles, avoided confrontation and accepted challenges. He had the spirit of a griot, the character of a gentleman and the wit of a comedian. To know Carl was to love Carl. His vibrant soul, caring nature and adventurous spirit were his strengths.
Carl is survived by his two sisters, Gisele Simmons and Robin Simmons; a nephew, Ahmed Saunders, his niece, Andrea Saunders and his grand-nephew, Isaiah Saunders Carrion. Carl leaves his life-partner of 32 years, Thomas Moncho and the brother from another mother, Kerry Saunders. Carl is survived by his aunt Annabel Boyd, cousins Moses and his wife Ann, Clara, Ernest Groves, Edna Hinton and Rosabel Talbird. He leaves more cousins living in Texas and South Carolina: Ronald Jenkins, his son Jordan, Carolyn and Sherral Reid, Sonia Yates and their children. We will miss Carl with every fiber of our being. He will live on in our hearts and memories.
Memories
Carl Simmons
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYNicole Morrison
March 1, 2021
Carl, the joy and memories you brought to our lives will not be forgotten. I still remember them like yesterday.
Sending warm embrace to your family during this difficult time.
Love Nicole (Nee-col, as you called me) - Stevens Travel family
Andrea S
March 1, 2021
Dear Uncle, I love you so. I hope you are traveling anywhere you want right now to the moon and back and visiting our ancestors as well. Love you UC
Tom Moncho
March 1, 2021
"A Heart Is Not Judged By How Much You Love, But By How Much You Are Loved By Others." - The Wizard To The Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz
So very true in regard to Carl.....such a huge heart.
- Tom
Mary Lou Snow
February 28, 2021
Just lit outdoor lights on my tree in Boston for Carl’s memory. What a mensch he was.
Happy to have known you, dear Carl! Your memory is a blessing!!
Georgette anagnostaras-Petersen
February 28, 2021
While working at TWA 1987-1992 at 2 Penn Plaza Carl helped me while he was on the rate desk especially with round the world reservations . I was very honored to have known him and he will truly be missed. Today I was very happy to meet his wonderful family and see the beautiful pictures of Carl thru out his life RIP God Bless you
Mavis Stevens
February 28, 2021
My heart goes out to Carl's family and friends and his presence was always such fun - especially the dancing!
Carl was part of the Stevens Travel Family for many years, and he continued to be my "travel guy" in the last few years. We all had many adventures together and enjoyed his humor, expertise and zest for life.
He will be so missed but not forgotten.
Lydia Diaz
February 28, 2021
Dear Gisele, Robin, Tom and all family members,
Know that we are with you all in spirit today. We were honored to be able to participate in such a beautiful service. Carl was truly a unique and special human being. He was always full of quiet strength and dignity. We only wish that we could have had more time to know him better.
God knows all things, and he's been called Home. Be at peace; we love you all and look forward to seeing you next year.
Love,
Lydia Diaz & Marvin Lang
Anton Petrescu de Perrella
February 28, 2021
Carl,
During the 30 years that i have know you; you always had a positive outlook on everything and were always a good friend. You made us laugh when we were down and you always were willing to help anybody that was in need. Your loss here on planet earth is Heavens' gain.
Anton
Marcia Mcfarlane
February 28, 2021
Carl. My heart is so broken with the news of your passing.
Who will provide me with those unusual snacks that you always seem to find when ever you travel.
Their are no words my friend that can express how much I am going to miss you .
I have known you for half my life . From Stevens Travel to Tzell.
As I sit here with my heart in pieces . I am thankful and grateful that I knew you and had the privilege to call you my friend.
Safe travel to your next journey RIP 💖.
Keith Seard
February 28, 2021
Words never seem full enough to capture the essence of a life or fill the gap left behind when we lose a person so dear to our heart, but know that peace comes is knowing, truly knowing that Carl's love for you and his love for life will continue to be a source of comfort and joy when you think about him. My heart goes out to your entire family in this time of loss.
Glenn Simms
February 28, 2021
My name is Glenn. I had the privilege to know and love Carl for over 30 years. We shared so many wonderful experiences with family and friends. In fact, he adored my 90-year-old Mom and she loved him as well. She used to refer to him as her son in law. Before my Dad passed, Carl's relationship with my him was loving and full of humor.
My entire family loved Carl. He touched so many lives. Carl brought so much to our relationship in the form of music, cooking, and travel but, most of all, he brought ADVENTURE into my life. For that I am eternally grateful. Carl, I love you and will miss your presence in my life.
Love, Glenn
Vea KESSISSOGLOU
February 28, 2021
What a painful loss this is ! I am sad and confused and still in shock of the awful news. My heart is broken.
Carl was always thoughtful and kind, a very special person, and will always be in my heart
The office will never be the same without him
I will miss you Carl ! My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family
Sending love
Vea
Joe Bilardo
February 28, 2021
Carl, I'm simply at a loss for words. You could say after last year nothing could surprise us anymore but hearing of your loss has hit close to our working family at Stevens and Tzell; after all we've worked together for more than 30 years.
Whenever the day comes when we're all back in the office, it will never be the same without you.
You will be missed!
Rest in peace my friend.
Joe
Martha Salazar
February 28, 2021
My Dear Carl, I was so blessed to have had the privilege to work by your side for 12 years at Steven’s Travel Management Rate Desk as your partner ( in crime as you used to say ). We shared so much together throughout this time, that I can’t even begin to count. Weekends for you meant Paris, Amsterdam, Sweden, Rio, de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Hong Kong or anywhere in the world where a plane could take you. Music was your passion too. I had to get used to work listening to music from all over the world. It was wonderful. Together we laughed, we cried, we traveled the world, we argued like husband and wife ( as you also used to say ), because you were always late to work from partying too much the night before. But most importantly we became friends forever, even after I moved to Florida over 20 years ago, never got “Divorced”.
Today my heart is broken without you in this world to call me and make laugh with funny stories. This weekend you’re taking a one way trip to heaven in First Class, since you traveled no other way). I’m sure the fun is about to begin , as the life of the party has arrived). Safe travels my dear crazy friend (My Ex-husband) . Thank you for so many and priceless memories. I’ll hold you in my heart forever...
Adelaide Pelaez
February 27, 2021
Adelaide Pelaez
February 27, 2021
I met Carl in 1981 at TWA and worked at the same agencies after that. I was so impressed when he told me he had gone to the Dalton School and that he spoke 8 languages including Russian. Fun to be with, a great story teller and the fastest talker I've ever known. His passion was music and he listened to it all. You were considered lucky if he gave you a composition of music he had put together in a tape (1981 lol) especially for you. We had many fun "hanging out" times - he loved to hang out. I love you and will miss you dearly Carlito.
Like James Taylor put it "But I always that I'd see you again, baby, one more time again."
Besitos xoxoxo
Danny Cadiz
February 27, 2021
We are going to miss Carl dearly , after 39 years of working with Carl at TWA and sharing clients with Carl throughout the years he was truly an inspiration , intelligent and talented human being . Humble and the smartest guy in the room . You’ll always be remembered and respected among your peers , you’re love of music that you shared , your generosity and comedic story telling was impeccable alway made us laugh so hard.. I remember the time we
We’re Students also at CBS Radio recording our voices ..priceless . , The visits to each others offices to vent our client frustrations and the humor in them. You were parts of many of our lives with a positive outlook on life , you will truly be missed , May God rest your soul.
With Love and peace.
Dan , Maria & Sabrina
Cadiz
Robert Litts
February 27, 2021
Carl and I worked together during the 80’s in NYC, both at TWA and Stevens Travel Management, where Carl was the manager of the international rate department and Martha and I were his assistants. I have kept in touch over the years from California. Carl was brilliantly smart, kind, witty and so interesting. It was an honor to know him and I will miss him. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
Rest in eternal peace, sweet Carl
William Mault
February 27, 2021
Thank you Carl for your friendship at TWA and Steven’s Travel. Your ability to decipher air rates and your knowledge and love of music and impish smile will never be forgotten
Love
Bill
Robert Saunders
February 25, 2021
To the Simmons Family: Sending all Prays and Condolences. We don't have many memories of Carl, but if anyone could keep Kerry in line, it would be Carl. A man of many places and languages.
Carl lived his life well. R.I.P
The Saunders Family
in PA, DE, AZ
Kathy Bayne
February 25, 2021
I remember Carl from TWA . Smart, funny, and always there with a smile and a helping hand. Rest in Peace and may the angels carry you home.
Robin Simmons
February 25, 2021
A great soul serves everyone all the time.
A great soul never dies.
It brings us together again and again.
- Maya Angelou
Due to COVID19 Restrictions
The family is providing a Live Streaming
of the closed Memorial for Carl.
Pleaae join us virtually.
Date: Sunday, February 28, 2021
Time: 3:00pm-6:00pm
Facilitator: Walter B. Cooke Funeral Home
Livestream:
https://memorialstream.online/carl-simmons/
Please note that all videos and comments must be uploaded no later than Saturday, February 27, 2021.
Please send Pre-Recorded messages to:
MIKEY COLON / Memorial Stream Online
Email: info@memorialstream.online
Phone: 917-703-0346
Tony Beach
February 25, 2021
Carl was smart, funny, energetic/hyper, always helpful, entertaining and a pleasure to work with (2 Penn Plaza). I was sorry to hear about his passing.
Maija Siira
February 25, 2021
And there is sweetness in the laughter of all the stars and in the memories of those who love you. I will miss you dearly my friend. You have a place in my HEART forever. My sincere condolences to family and friends.
Maija Siira
Photo below shows TWA farewell for Carl; From left to right: me, Marion, Adelaide, Cheryl and Tony
Dr. Anthony Bowen
February 24, 2021
Dear Carl!
RIP.. I am going to miss you. The selection of music and your innovative approach to cooking “crab chips fried chicken” .. I will miss the summers just picking you up from work and giving you a ride home while you would say pop this CD in and I would always be floored with the beats from Swedish, South African and An array of music selections you picked up on your travels ! Say hi to my Mom as you join her in Haven! You are surely will be missed all of my friends who became your friends want to wish you a send off .. Dallys, Jane, Shawn .. my sister Sally. RIP my friend ! Anthony ... Der / Sita / TrafalgarTours .. from my travel days !
Mary Lou Snow
February 24, 2021
Quick witted and funny, serious and smart....Carl was a wonderful coworker. He moved to New York from Boston with TWA when I did in the 80’s. A wonderfully warm and good human being, I was so happy to see him at TWA’s Reunion at the TWA Hotel at JFK in 2019.
I can’t imagine the loss felt by his family and close friends. I am so glad he lived. My deepest condolences.
Kathy Adamski
February 24, 2021
My heartfelt condolences to Carl’s Family I was lucky enough to have met Carl he was one of the good guys Had the pleasure of working with him for many years Rest In Peace Carl You are gone but not forgotten till we meet again 💔
Michael Lally
February 24, 2021
Carl was my Mentor and Friend at TWA Rate Desk. We all loved him. He was so much fun both professionally, and socially. He was brilliant, and always will to share his knowledge. So down to Earth.. I hope we will meet again. Rest in Peace my Friend.
Noel Pena
February 24, 2021
Dear Carl,
You have left us for a better place and you will be missed by a lot of your ex-coworkers from TWA Reservations in NYC. Condolences to your family, Travel With Angels Carl.
Madeleine Gardella
February 24, 2021
Dear, dear Carl,
I have such wonderful memories of working with you at 2 Penn and of hanging out in Brooklyn. You were a true professional and a friend to all.
Angela OConnor
February 23, 2021
To the Simmons family,
My name is Angela OConnor and I was a friend of Carl. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. If there is any memorial or service could you let me know. You and your family are in my prayers xo.
Sincerely,
Angela OConnor
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