It is with bittersweet sadness we announce that Robert "Bob", "Rabbitt" M. Simmons, 82, of Lewes, DE, formally from Satellite Beach FL and Annapolis, MD passed away peacefully on Saturday, January. 15, 2021.

Robert was born October 14, 1940, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his Mother and father, Charles and Eva Simmons as well as his sister Karen(Simmons) Schreck. He graduated from Pottstown High school in 1958 and went immediately to the Navy School of Music and then continued an illustrious career in Navy Music for 25 years.

In 1972 he was the leader of Tidal Wave, USNA Band's first rock combo, and the Navy's first rock group to go on national tour. He was also part of the President's Trio in The US Navy Band during George Bush's Sr. Presidency.

He is survived by his sister, Nancy (Simmons) Grace; wife of 57 years, Bonnie(Nagengast) ; daughter, Lori Jones and her husband Raymond); daughter, Tammy Callender and her husband Wes; and three grandchildren, Megan and Victoria Callender and Ashley Jones.

From a young age and throughout his entire life, Bob was a talented and hardworking musician, serving over 25 years in USNA and the U.S. Navy Band, achieving the rank of Chief petty officer, playing the Upright/electric bass and tuba. If you ever saw and heard him play, you realized very quickly that he was a true musician and loved what he did.

Along with being a musician, he was an avid waterman. He was a local boat captain and fisherman casting lines all over the East Coast with friends and family. He was always happy when he had a fishing pole in his hand and the boat on the water. He fulfilled his childhood dream of living on the oceanfront when in 1990 when he and his wife Bonnie moved to Satellite Beach Florida. He continued to play music until his final gig at Heidi's
Jazz Club in Cocoa Beach Florida.

Bob's charisma, humor, and personality will be missed but never forgotten.

A memorial gathering will be held on Thursday, January 27, 2022 from 4-8pm at Barranco Severna Park Funeral Home & Cremation Care, P.A. 495 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park, MD 21146.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the OL MacMillan Scholarship Fund of the NAVY MUSICIANS ASSOCIATION in honor of "Rabbit" Simmons. Please forward the check to:

Stephanie Rowlan Treasurer, NAVY MUSICIANS ASSOCIATION PO Box 132 Churchtown, MD 20733