Born: July 22, 1943
Kenmore, New York
Died: Feb. 16 2026
Colchester, Vermont
Details of service:
There is no service planned at this time.
Lawrence Ross Simmons of Jericho, Vermont, died on Feb. 16, 2026, from complications related to Crohn’s disease. He is survived by his wife of 65 years Marjorie Lynde Simmons; daughter Lori Hollander; brother David and sister-in-law Pam and their daughters Lauren Gray and Megan O’Donnoghue; sister-in-law Sue Simmons, her son Drew Simmons and daughter Carrie Pierson; Marge’s sister Elinor and husband David, and their daughters Cindy Anderson and Sharon Moffatt; sister-in-law Deb Lynde and husband Allen Blake, her son Jerry Lynde and daughter Amy Tillman; and brother-in-law Bob Lynde. He was predeceased by his brother Bruce Simmons and sister Peg Simmons. Larry also wanted to acknowledge his deep affection and gratitude for Eric, Brynn and Owen Anderson; Brian, Sawyer and Ian Tillman; and Steve, Aidan and Gibson Moffatt.
Larry was born on July 22, 1943, in Kenmore, New York, where he grew up and met Marge in ninth grade, marrying when they were both 17. They had a daughter, Lori, around this time and Larry rose to the responsibility, working hard to provide for his new wife and daughter. Following high school graduation, Larry worked briefly at a Chevrolet plant in western New York and then for his father, who owned a local plumbing business. A serious back injury on the job led to surgery, rehab, and financial support for finding a vocation that would be easier on his body. With this support Larry took classes at the University of Buffalo and eventually earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in higher education. He and Marge moved to Vermont in 1972 when Larry was hired by UVM to become their director of career development services, a position he remained in until his retirement in 1996. Larry remembers that time fondly and was grateful for his incredible staff.
Larry was a jack of all trades and interests, ranging from fixing cars to learning about classical music, which was almost always playing in the background of his life. He is well known for his love of coffee, cinnamon buns, black labradors, and for his dedication to friends and family.
Larry was one of a kind, a true gem, and the core of his immediate and extended families. He was known for his perseverance and determination, always learning and moving ahead, giving thoughtful advice and being a great listener. Larry was endlessly curious and loved to hear the stories of people’s lives. His family will miss being able to seek his guidance about everything from cars to investing to life in general. If a person could survive on love alone, Larry would have lived forever. We will carry his spirit forward, grateful for his presence in our lives.
