Obituary of Gary F. Simmerman

Gary F. Simmerman, 85, of Hopewell Township passed away suddenly on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at Inspira Medical Center in Vineland. He was a graduate of Bridgeton High School, class of 1952 and graduated from the School of Consumer Banking – University of Virginia in 1965. Gary began his banking career as a bookkeeper at Cumberland National Bank, worked his way up the ranks and was eventually appointed to the position of President. When Cumberland National Bank merged into United Jersey Bank, he was appointed President, Southern Region. He retired in December of 1997. His political and civic activities career began when he was elected Bridgeton City Treasurer at the age of 29. Throughout his career, Gary held the positions of Bridgeton City Councilman, Cumberland County Freeholder, and County Treasurer. He served on the Board of Directors of Bridgeton Hospital (now Inspira Medical Center) and as a Director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. He was past President of the Bridgeton Jaycees, a Commissioner of the Delaware River & Bay Authority, Chairman of Inspira Life (Living Independently For Elders) and Chairman of the Hopewell Township Economic Development Committee. His awards and achievements include being named “Bridgeton’s Outstanding Young Man” in 1965, receiving the “John A. Cowan Memorial Award” for outstanding community service in 1975 and being recognized as “Cumberland County-Citizen of the Year” in 1987 among other awards and achievements too numerous to mention. He is survived by; his wife, Patricia (Michael); his sons, Gary W. (Barbara) of Brookline, NH and Kevin (Janie) of Wyomissing, PA; his grandchildren: Michael, Chad, Olivia, Matthew and Austin and dear friends Mary Simpkins and Dave Wilson. He was pre-deceased by; his beloved son ,Scott; his mother, Edna Nyberg; his father, Francis Simmerman and Bill and Catherine “Mom” Ayars. Funeral services will be held at the PADGETT FUNERAL HOME, 1107 State Highway 77, Upper Deerfield Twp. on Thursday, February 27th at 11 AM. Interment will take place at Fernwood Memorial Park in Hopewell Twp. Visitations will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday evening, February 26th from 6 PM to 9 PM and on Thursday morning, February 27th from 10 AM to 11 AM prior to the services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Gary's memory to the Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association (Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley, 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106). Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com.