Dr. Alvin J. Simmons

Dr. Alvin J. Simmons, 92, of New Bedford passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at St. Luke’s Hospital with his loving wife, Lynda by his side. He was the son of the late Joseph and Elvira (Page) Simmons of New Bedford.

Al was born on October 31, 1930 in New Bedford and attended New Bedford Public Schools. Throughout high school he was actively involved in the dance, jazz and orchestra bands playing the clarinet and the saxophone. He was also an extremely skilled tennis player who won many tournaments.

After graduating from high school Al pursued a career in Psychology, earning degrees from Boston College, UMass Amherst, and Harvard University School of Public Health. He became a Certified Psychologist in MA in 1964 and a Licensed Psychologist in MA in 1975. He continued to become a member of the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology in 1977. Throughout attaining these credentials, Al pursued many years of employment at various prestigious colleges and hospitals in the Boston area including MA General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. He moved his family to South Dartmouth in 1964 and became the Area Director of the MA Department of Mental Health, the Staff Psychologist at St. Luke’s Hospital, and began his independent private practice as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. His career in private practice continued to age 86. Al helped many people through their darkest problems, utilizing his clinical knowledge and his genuine caring and compassion for the mental well being of any person or couple who entered his life.

Al enjoyed many things in life, but loved his time on Martha’s Vineyard the most where he and Lynda would spend time year round. He was an avid reader and sports fan. Other interests included playing golf, going to the beach, visiting Bennett Farm, and listening to music, especially Jesse Cook. Socializing with friends was a highlight of any day.

Not only is he survived by his wife Lynda of 24 years, but also three sons, Christopher of Washington D.C., Michael of Tampa, Florida, John of Chicago, Illinois, one daughter, Polly, of Atlanta, Georgia, and two step-sons Drew Frazee of Acushnet, MA and Damon Frazee of St. Augustine, Florida. Al is predeceased by his wife and mother of their children, Joan Brindle and wife Paula Frazee. He also is predeceased by his loving children Phillip and Lacy.

Other survivors include nine grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 4th at 10:00 AM at the South Coast Chapel Mortuary in East Freetown. Please kindly omit flowers.

www.southcoastchapel.com

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