Richard Edward Simmons, Sr.  (AKA Santa Claus) , 65, of Bradford, VT  passed away at home after a short, but, hard fought battle with cancer, surrounded by his wife and five children on August 2, 2022.

Richard was Born on April 16, 1957, in Haverhill, NH to the late Eleanor (Simmons) Bowles  and  Edward Root.  He grew up in the surrounding towns of St. Johnsbury, Wells River and Bradford VT, in Bradford, he met the love of his life, Melanie Brocar.  They were married on July 31, 1976 and started their family together.  Later in his life, Richard and his family were proud when he completed his GED.

Over the years of his life Richard worked as a  carpenter and handyman for 40 years, he worked helping his son,Richie with his business at Simmons Lawn Care.  For the last ten years Richard put on a Santa suit in the roll of Santa Clause for Young's Photography with his daughter, Brandi,  as he volunteered to support Cottage Hospital and also the Bradford Fair where he spent countless hours spreading Christmas cheer and magic to thousands of children.   Richard always had a smile on his face and love in his heart when he had that Santa suit on.  Richard always was willing to lend a helping hand to his family, including helping his daughter, Katherine build her home.  He enjoyed spending time working on his race car and racing at Bear Ridge Speedway and at Norway Pines until it was time to watch his own children race and help them pursue the same passion that Richard loved for so long. He spent countless hours watching his children, especially his twin sons, Billy and Chuck, playing all the sports they loved, and his grandchildren play multiple sports as they grew up.  He also enjoyed fishing, hunting and trapping, and passing along these traditions to his grandchildren. He spent many years making the trip north to hunting camp with his best friend, Bob Klunder, at the Atkinson and Gilmanton Academy Grant in NH.

He leaves behind his wife of 46 years, Melanie Simmons and his five children; Son Richard Simmons Jr. of Bradford, VT and wife Bridget, and their children Cooper and Charlie;  Daughter, Brandi Young of Newbury, VT and husband Shannon and their children Merrett, Meredith Edna, Mallari, and Maleah. Daughter, Katherine Wright of Orford, NH, and husband Micheal and their children Shaunna Marie, Tucker, and Isabella; Son, William (Billy) Simmons of Denver, NC and wife Crystal and their children Carter, Jordyn and Adalyn; Charles (Chuck) Simmons of Bradford, VT and wife Sara and their children Makayla, Makenna, Carter, Hadlee, and Landon. A close niece, Holly Creamer and her boyfriend Stephan Sampson; Brother in-law Butch Brocar and his wife Sandi of CT; Sister in-law Becky Brocar of Bradford.  Richard was predeceased by his mother, Eleanor Simmons-Bowles, his father, Edward Root and a brother in-law Mark Brocar and a sister-in-law, Rose Marie Creamer and her husband, William Creamer.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 7 at 2pm at the home of Brandi and Shannon Young's at 5427 Main Street South, Newbury, VT.  All are welcome to attend.  Richard will be laid to rest in the presence of his family at a later date.

In lieu of flower please send donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=wtg-mm-btn-donate-now