WWII, D-Day Vet Newell Simmons, 90

Newell E. Simmons, Sr., 90, of Brookfield, loving husband of Dorothy (Bachman) Simmons, died Wednesday, Aug. 14 at his home. He was born September 22, 1922 in Boston, MA, son of the late Richard Simmons and Marion Regis Edwards.

Newell served during World War II in the Army with the 996th Engineer Treading Bridge Company in Normandy, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria and England for 20 months. His company landed on Omaha Beach (Dog Red), Normandy, France on D-Day. They continued on to campaign in Northern France, Rhineland, the Ardennes and Central Europe. Newell was very proud of his service and was happy to serve his country.


In addition to his wife, Dorothy, Newell will be missed by his four sons, Newell Simmons, Jr. of Thomaston, Allen Simmons and his wife Patricia of Brookfield, Barry Simmons of Phoenix, AZ and Guy Simmons of Brookfield; his daughter, Robin von Reyn of Bridgewater; nine grandchildren, Corey Simmons (Susan), Keith Simmons (Heather), Wendy Hurlburt (Edward), Sgt. Brett von Reyn U.S.M.C., Drew and Jason von Reyn, Gabriel Simmons, Matthew Simmons (Jamie) and Patrick Simmons; six great grandchildren; two sisters, Marion Volpe and Audrey Oliveira of Carver, MA as well as several nieces and nephews.

Newell was predeceased by his son, Bradley Simmons, and his sisters Joan Edsall and Elaine Gillis.

Funeral Information

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 19 at St. Joseph Church, 159 Whisconier Road, Brookfield.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. on Monday at Brookfield Funeral Home, 786 Federal Road, Brookfield.

Donations Information

Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Disabled American Veterans, 25 Segar St., Danbury, CT 06810.