Obituary for Dr. H. Martin Simmerman
Dr. H. Martin Simmerman, 83, passed away at his home from complications related to Parkinson’s disease on Sunday, April 12, 2020. “Marty” was born on January 23, 1937, in Woodbury, NJ, to his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Harold Simmerman; his brother, Steven, followed shortly thereafter. Upon completing his undergraduate degree at the University of Delaware, Marty earned his Doctor of Optometry from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (Salus University) in Elkins Park, PA. Together, the father and both sons practiced family optometry in Gloucester County for decades.
An avid outdoorsman, Marty and his wife of nearly 40 years, Pam, loved nothing more than being active and out in nature together. Hunting, fishing, canoeing, skiing, and trail riding, as well as competition silhouette, trap, skeet, and sporting clays, were among their favorite pastimes. Marty’s daughters also remember his love of music, both his listening to it and playing it for them on his guitar. To all, he is remembered by his dry sense of humor, contagious smile, and the twinkle in his eye.
Marty is survived by his wife, Pam, and their many horses, dogs, and cats; his daughters, Shelley Addy (Bill) and Marcy Ireland (Mike); grandchildren, Jessica Spangler, Charles Spangler Jr., Bryan Addy (Savannah), Jason Addy, Jenna Stephan (Sean), Michael Ireland, Jr., and Victoria Ireland; and his brother, Steve, and his family.
Marty was buried in Wenonah Cemetery in a private ceremony. To remember him, donations may be made in his name to the Lions Eye Bank of Delaware Valley (https://lebdv.org/ or 401 N. 3rd Street, Suite 305, Philadelphia, PA, 19123-4101), so that those who cannot afford needed corneal transplants will be given the gift of sight.
An avid outdoorsman, Marty and his wife of nearly 40 years, Pam, loved nothing more than being active and out in nature together. Hunting, fishing, canoeing, skiing, and trail riding, as well as competition silhouette, trap, skeet, and sporting clays, were among their favorite pastimes. Marty’s daughters also remember his love of music, both his listening to it and playing it for them on his guitar. To all, he is remembered by his dry sense of humor, contagious smile, and the twinkle in his eye.
Marty is survived by his wife, Pam, and their many horses, dogs, and cats; his daughters, Shelley Addy (Bill) and Marcy Ireland (Mike); grandchildren, Jessica Spangler, Charles Spangler Jr., Bryan Addy (Savannah), Jason Addy, Jenna Stephan (Sean), Michael Ireland, Jr., and Victoria Ireland; and his brother, Steve, and his family.
Marty was buried in Wenonah Cemetery in a private ceremony. To remember him, donations may be made in his name to the Lions Eye Bank of Delaware Valley (https://lebdv.org/ or 401 N. 3rd Street, Suite 305, Philadelphia, PA, 19123-4101), so that those who cannot afford needed corneal transplants will be given the gift of sight.