Michael Joseph Simms

Michael Joseph Simms, known to his loved ones as Mickey or Mike, passed away June 17, 2024, at his home in Glen Rock, PA. He was born December 23, 1939 in Baltimore, MD. Mickey was a devoted husband of 62 years to Katheryn L. (Cole) Simms, and father to his three children. In his earlier years, Mike served with honor in the United States Marine Corps Reserves from 1957 to 1965, achieving the rank of Lance Corporal. He was deeply involved with the Maryland Line Volunteer Fire Company for many years, holding various fire line officer and administrative officer positions, including serving as the treasurer for over two decades. Mike's dedication to the fire service was further exemplified by earning more than twenty certifications through the Baltimore County Fire Department National Professional Qualification and the University of Maryland - Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute. Mike worked for Radebaugh Florist and Greenhouses for over 50 years, in Towson and Freeland, MD. He performed many roles for Radebaugh’s including starting seedlings, transplanting, propagation, maintenance foreman and delivering plants and flowers. His passion for trains led him to enjoy countless excursion rides with his wife and family. Mickey developed an extensive model train collection and curated a large railroad platform at his home. He also enjoyed farming and working in his garden - growing vegetables for the family. Michael Simms was a caring and generous individual, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. He leaves behind a legacy of love and commitment to his family, including his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and siblings. Mike's memory will be cherished by his surviving family members and friends. Mike is survived by his wife, Katheryn Luetta (Cole) Simms. His daughter, Jeanette Katheryn (Simms) Scott, her husband Thomas W. Scott, their daughter Shannon Nichole (Scott) Colley with her husband Matthew C. Colley and their daughter Madison Mae Colley. His son Michael Joseph Simms Jr, with his daughters: Sarah A. (Simms) Leese, her husband Christopher Leese and their daughters Aubrey and Madeline Leese; Christina M. (Simms) Heffner with her daughter Cadence Heffner; & his son Chad E. Simms. Mike’s sisters Sharon M. Martelack and Charmaine “Angie” Simms; his brothers John M. Simms Jr, Jerome L. Simms, Mitchell R. Simms, and David S. Simms. He is predeceased by his son, John Thomas Simms; his parents John Michael Simms and Eula Lucille (Williams) Simms; his sisters Virginia L. (Simms) McCausland and Patricia A. (Simms) Cole; and his brother Timothy K. Simms. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Maryland Line Volunteer Fire Company or the Wellspan York Health Foundation's Cancer Patient Help Fund in honor of Mike's memory. (Wellspan.org under the Wellspan York Health Foundation, select the Cancer Patient Help Fund as the designation.) A viewing will be held on Friday, June 21 from 5 - 7 pm at Hartenstein Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc., 24 N Second St. New Freedom, PA. Interment will be private. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 22 from 1 - 3 pm at Maryland Line Volunteer Fire Company, 21631 York Rd. Freeland, MD.