Paul Gilbert Simmons, 77, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2023 in Sebastian, Florida where he lived for the past 12 years. Originally from York, PA, where he was born and raised, oldest of seven children. He moved to NJ to open a rooming house at the Jersey Shore. After a number of years, he decided to open a french fry stand on the Wildwood Boardwalk, based on his childhood memory of getting fries at the York County Fair. He later opened a pancake and pizza place while working at Coca-Cola for 28 years.

He retired to Florida in 2006 with his wife Wanda. They quickly decided that retirement was too boring and decided to open Paradise Ice Cream Store and later a breakfast and lunch restaurant called Café in Paradise; both were in Sebastian, Florida. After selling the restaurant, Paul couldn't keep still so he took his last part-time job at Winn-Dixie.

His favorite things were fishing, playing the lottery and blackjack, and going on cruises with his wife. He always enjoyed helping friends when they were in need. In his later years, he enjoyed his time at the Italian American Club and the Sebastian Elks Lodge #2714. He was also a member of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Vero Beach, FL.

Paul was married to Wanda Shirey Simmons for 59 years. He is survived by his wife Wanda; three children Terri Brown, Paula L. Junker (Chip), and Paul G. Simmons II (Jenifer); five grandchildren: Kyle Brown, Kayleigh Brown (Frankie Freese), Ryan Brown (Sierra), Ava Junker, and Garin Junker; and three great-grandchildren Jaiden, Damien, and Greyson.

Please raise a glass and toast to him, he wouldn't have it any other way.

There will be a Celebration of Life Sunday, February 5, 2023 between 12pm-3pm at the Sebastian Elks Lodge #2714, 731 S. Fleming Street, Sebastian, FL 32958.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that a contribution be made in Paul's memory to the Sebastian Elks Lodge #2714 for children's charity or the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Vero Beach.