COPENHAGEN, NY — Theodore A. “Ted” Simmons, 67, passed away peacefully Sunday, Jan. 27, at home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born July 16, 1951, a son of Frank and Dorothy Simmons, at the home he lived in and loved on Route 12 in Copenhagen.
Ted was the auctioneer and manager of the NNY Farmers Market, in Lowville for over 30 years where he was a friend to all. Ted was always there to help whether it was a farmer devasted by a fire, flood, or any type of problem. He had an infectious laugh that always made it better. There was never a more devoted or dedicated man than Ted. With the work of Ted and many others the auction barn has grown to be the largest in the state. Ted took great pride in this.
Ted and his wife Shari also had a successful auction business doing many household and antique auctions. Ted is well known in Lewis County for donating his time as an auctioneer at many local benefits or other events. He always had a great way of working with people. The Simmons family has been well known in the area for the Christmas tree farm that rose out of the ashes of their dairy farm which was destroyed in a fire in 1991.
Ted was a past chief of the Copenhagen Fire Department, inducted in to the Lewis County Fair Hall of Fame, member of NYS Christmas Tree Growers Assoc., lifetime member of FFA, 2015 & 2017 Watertown Farmers Market vendor of year, NYS auctioneer Assoc., and Co-Founder of local Wreaths for Vets.
Ted enjoyed going to auctions, antique shows, being outdoors amongst the trees, buying animals for kids at the auction, hunting, fishing, mowing his lawn, and participating in all activities with his children and grandchildren from school events to chain saw carving events. Ted loved his family more than words can ever say. He is greatly admired and will be greatly missed by so many. His love for the outdoors and his home was second to none.
Survived by his loving wife of 42 years Shari, who he married on October 1, 1977, at the United Church of Copenhagen with Rev. Allnatt officiating; a son Scott and his favorite daughter-in-law Andrea Bellinger Simmons, daughter Jamie Phalen and husband Pete. Sister-in-laws Chris (Peter) Vogt, Joyce (Mike) Sullivan, Laurie (Ricky) Thomas. A sister Phyllis (Ken) Gaines, Ruth (Don) Warner, Chris (Al) Crouse; brothers, Paul (Debbie) Simmons, and Frank (Becky) Simmons; and a large extended family of adoring nieces, nephews and cousins, father and mother-in-law Fred and Ann Snyder.
Ted was predeceased by a brother, James Simmons; his brother-in-law, Freddy Snyder; and a special grandfather-in-law, Robert “Old Pa” Snyder.
And mostly his adoring grandchildren Aubriana Simmons, Levi Simmons, Kenadi and Cody Phalen. His grandchildren were the center of his life and he was the most loving, caring, devoted grandfather any child could ever want.
The funeral will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, at United Church of Copenhagen with Pastor Ed Steckly, officiating. Calling hours are 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019, at Iseneker Funeral Home, Inc., 5702 Waters Road, Lowville. Burial will be held privately by the family. A scholarship will be established at a later time to honor Ted’s Legacy. A Celebration of Life Gathering will immediately follow the funeral service at the Copenhagen Fire Hall.
Condolences may be made online at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com.
