For years Richard lived an active lifestyle either playing, coaching, umpiring, or serving on the board of various Cromwell baseball and softball teams/leagues. He even played baseball for the University of Connecticut for a year before having to withdraw due to illness. He recovered and worked hard, often holding down two or three jobs at a time, until he finally retired from his career as a Senior Inspector for the Town of Glastonbury, Connecticut in 2011. In his free time Richard longed to be at the beach, attending sporting events, or dining out for a good steak and potato dinner.  He loved vacationing in the mountains of New Hampshire, at Lake George, New York, or at the desert resorts of Nevada.

Richard is survived by his daughter Lisa Gross and son-in-law David Gross, his son Gregory Simons and his daughter-in-law Michele Simons, granddaughters Lena & Lola, grandsons Harris & Hampton and his brand new grandbaby Harlow Elizabeth Simons (who he was so blessed to meet before he passed).

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Nancy Lee and his brother Robert Simons.

He will be missed by so many people that were lucky enough to enjoy a laugh with him during his lifetime.