New Bedford – Robert P. Simmons, 89, of Dartmouth, formerly of Westport died Wednesday, March 23, 2005 at St. Luke’s Hospital after a brief illness. He was the husband of the late Bonita M. (Sharp) Simmons.
He was born in Watertown, MA, son of the late Lewis R. and Helen G. (Crossman) Simmons, and had resided in Westport since 1970 prior to moving to Dartmouth in 1995. He served his country during WWII in the United States Army. A 1939 graduate of Bentley College, Boston, he was the Executive Director and CEO of St. Luke’s Hospital, New Bedford prior to his retirement in 1979. He was responsible for transforming St. Luke’s Hospital into a modern, state of the art facility by building the Jones Building that opened in 1968 and by bringing services to the community that were previously available in Boston. He was a member of the Congregational Church of South Dartmouth.
Mr. Simmons was an Honorary Trustee of the former Compass Bank, having served on the Board of Trustees until retiring in 1990. He was Past President of the Massachusetts Hospital Association, Superintendents Club of New England and South Shore Hospital Association. He was a member of the Acoaxet Club, Westport and the Whale and Children’s Museum and a Life Fellow of the American College of Health Care Executives. He loved the Westport River, where in his earlier years he enjoyed boating, fishing and bird watching.
He is survived by a son: Gary P. Simmons of Westport; 2 daughters: Vicki A. Rocha of Dartmouth and Sandra K. Sallade of Tempe, AZ; 7 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; and 2 nephews.
He was the brother of the late Richard Simmons and Gloria Simmons.
Funeral arrangements are private.
Calling hours are respectfully omitted.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: St. Luke’s Hospital, General Fund, 101 Page St., New Bedford, MA 02740.