Simmons
PORT JERVIS – Former Orange County Legislator and Commissioner
of Jurors Dennis Simmons of Port Jervis died Monday morning. He was 65.
Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus praised Simmons for his life’s work.
“He was probably one of the most patriotic Americans I ever met,” Neuhaus said. “He was a retired Air Force member, who was just so proud of the military and the country.”
Simmons, a resident of Port Jervis, served years ago as a city councilman prior to being elected to the county legislature. He was later appointed commissioner of jurors, but served in that position for only about a year when he retired because of his illness.
Port Jervis Mayor Kelly Decker worked closely with Simmons both in politics and in their careers. Both men retired from the 105th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard at Stewart Airport.
Simmons loved the city and “talked about what a great place it was,” Decker said. “He was a true patriot and loved his country,” said the mayor.
Late Monday morning, Simmons’ granddaughter Ashley Marie posted on her Facebook page that “Today, at 9:38 a.m., my Papa Dennis W. Simmons lost his year-long battle with Melanoma.”
