Robert Simmons Obituary

Robert Lawrence Simmons, MD. CHEVY CHASE, MD - Robert Lawrence Simmons, MD ("Bob"), 90, of Chevy Chase, Maryland, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Sunday, August 21, 2022. Dr. Simmons was born in Charleston, South Carolina, to the late Theodore and Thelma Simmons on March 13, 1932. He attended the Avery School in Charleston, and is a graduate of both Morehouse College in Atlanta and Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C. Among his professional achievements, Dr. Simmons established the open-heart surgery program at Howard University hospital after completing his training at the University of Minnesota under the esteemed C. Walton Lillehei, the pioneer of open-heart surgery. During Dr. Simmons' time serving as chief of thoracic surgery at Freedmen's/Howard University hospital, he mentored and trained hundreds, if not thousands, of general surgery residents and impacted an equal number of medical students. While maintaining his clinical ties with Howard University, he went on to serve as Vice-President and Director of medical affairs for 25 years at Providence Hospital in Washington, D.C. During his time at Providence, piloted the stroke team and made significant and critical improvements to Carol Manor, the Providence hospital nursing home. His colleagues loved and respected him. During his residency training at Howard University, Dr. Simmons met the love of his life, Sylvia, whom he married. Dr. Simmons and Sylvia enjoyed splitting their time between Washington, D.C. and their home in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Dr. Simmons is survived by his wife, Sylvia; his daughter, Leslie (O.G) of Chevy Chase, Maryland; and sons, Robert (Mark) of Denver, Colorado, Michael of Phoenix, Arizona, and Christopher (Brighid) of San Diego, California; six grandchildren, Brandon, Sloane, Austin, Amaya, Kieran, and Serena. He is further survived by his sister, Eleanor (Joseph) of Bethesda, Maryland; and his brother, Edward of Charleston, South Carolina. Preceding Dr. Simmons in death was a brother, Charles. Plans for a Celebration of Life in Spring 2023 will be announced at a later date. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston