Thaddeus A. Simms, age 87, passed away on February 3, 2021 in Toms River, NJ. Born and raised in Carteret, Tad grew up near his family-owned Polish grocery store and his grandmother was the local midwife who helped bring Tad into our world. Tad married Dorothy Harman in 1960, lived in Long Hill Township for almost 40 years and had enjoyed retirement living in Whiting since 2006.
Tad proudly served his country during the Korean War in a transportation division of the US Army. After his honorable discharge, he attended McCallister School of Mortuary Science graduating in 1957. He and his wife Dorothy founded Valley Memorial Funeral Home in 1971 and were dedicated to the Long Hill community for over 30 years.
An avid lover of music, Tad attended Julliard and shared his musical talents throughout his life playing in bands as well as at several churches, most notably the First Presbyterian Church of Stirling and Community Reformed Church/Whiting Health Care in Whiting.
Always up for playing a round or hitting some practice shots, Tad enjoyed golfing and in his later years was very active with the Senior Golf League at Lakehurst Naval Base.
Active in his community, Tad volunteered throughout his life with various organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, local and state Funeral Directors Associations as well as food pantries, Salvation Army and the American Legion.
He is survived by his daughter, Kelly Petrozelli and her husband Daniel and daughter Leah.
Services will be held for Thaddeus at 11 AM on Thursday, June 24, 2021 at The First Presbyterian Church of Stirling. Please join us to celebrate his life, share a funny memory or even one of his many jokes.
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