Hartley Wallace Simmons
February 20, 1948 ~ March 4, 2023
Resided in:
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Cape Elizabeth-Hartley W. Simmons Jr., 75, of Cape Elizabeth, ME, passed away March 4, 2023. The son of Hartley W. Simmons and Alice Starr Hirst, Hartley and his sister, Beverly, were raised in Cape Elizabeth by Alice and Holroyd Hirst.
Hartley was born in Portland, Maine on February 20, 1948. Hartley graduated from Cape Elizabeth High School in 1966 and graduated from East Coast Aero Technical College in 1968 as a Licensed Aircraft Technician.
He was married to his beloved wife, Susan L. Simmons, from April 12th, 1980 until her passing on July 20th, 2018.
Hartley worked in Connecticut from 1968-1979 at Komon Aircraft and Hamilton Standard (United Technology). In 1980, he moved back to Maine and first worked for Saco Defense, before moving to Forest Park Associates, and later Palmer Spring Company.
Hartley enjoyed spending time at the summer camps he shared with Susan, especially the time he spent boating and teaching family members to water ski and swim. He enjoyed spending time with and teasing his six grandkids, as well as his many nieces and nephews. Hartley also enjoyed hosting lobster feeds and making ice cream cakes for family birthday parties.
Hartley is predeceased by his parents, Hartley W. Simmons and Alice Starr Hirst as well as his sister, Beverly Starr Blake. Hartley is survived by his children: Michele (and John) Sowerby of South Portland, Michael Curran of North Yarmouth, and Ryan (and Sarah) Curran of Topsham. Six grandchildren: Brad and Brooke Sowerby, Julia and Daniel Curran, and Ian and Sam Curran, his brother-in-law John Blake, his niece, Julie (and Mike) Largay, and grand-nieces, Alison Starr and Alexa Marie Largay.
Visiting hours celebrating Hartley’s life will be held at Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland from 10:00am to 12:00pm on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. A Memorial service will follow at 12:00pm at the Chapel. To view Hartley’s memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com
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He was friendly, helpful, reliable and a great neighbor. Hartley was quick to share his opinion, he knew what he believed in and he had good sense of humor.
Hartley always had dog treats on hand for neighbor dogs. He rototilled our garden, shared blueberries and picked us up from the airport. He was always there and would help a neighbor / friend whenever he was asked. We thought the world of him and he showed his appreciation to us too, by all of his kind deeds. He was a good soul and he will be missed by many neighbors! We love and miss you Hartley!
You could set your clock by Hartley. He was consistent, reliable, dependable and humble- a truly great neighbor!
Just after we bought the house, we came up one day after a snow storm, but it was before we moved in. Jeff commented to Hartley how nice it was that he had snowblowed our driveway for the old neighbor, Joanne (who lived alone). Hartley matter-of-factly replied to Jeff, “Well, I hope you don’t expect me to snow blow for you!” Of course, as all of us who who know him won’t be surprised, Hartley was always very considerate and he has helped us a thousand times over as a good neighbor.
Another funny story is that Sue and Hartley had anecdotal nicknames for mostly everyone in the neighborhood, (including us)…it was a great sign of their sense of humor!
May you rest in peace, up there with Sue.
Hartley was our good friend and neighbor for 13 years.
We are very sorry for the loss of Hartley. We send our sincere condolences to your family.
We send our Condolences to Hartley’s family. He was a very caring and considerate man!
John & Linda Curran
Hartley loved to tease and he never did it with any meanness, as he always had a big smile and a sweet chuckle. I can picture him having so much fun with family members and friends. He had a BIG heart!
Miss You Hartley!
Linda and John Curran
He had a BIG heart and was Always willing to lend a hand to help anyone, especially all family!
Teasing the heck out of me!
GMC versus Silverado! Lets bring in a Ram truck! Hee hee
Linda Curran
Hartley and Linda Curran had many funny debates over who was right and what was best. We laughed and had so much fun at family gatherings, especially at Barbara and Paul’s! He will be greatly missed!