Leonard B. Simmons | Veterinarian, 87

Leonard B. Simmons, 87, a veterinarian in South Philadelphia for many years, died Tuesday, Oct. 5, at Bryn Mawr Hospital of heart failure.

Dr. Simmons owned and operated Simmons Animal Hospital at 30th Street and Snyder Avenue from 1952 to 1990. Before that, the hospital was at Eighth and Tasker Streets.

Dr. Simmons was born and raised in South Philadelphia, and graduated from South Philadelphia High School in 1939. His course work at the University of Pennsylvania was interrupted when he enlisted in the U.S. Army in World War II.

He was stationed at Hendrix College in Conway, Ark., until his discharge in February 1946 at the rank of technician fourth grade.

While at Hendrix, Dr. Simmons met and married Helen M. Baskin, a librarian. The two celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary this year.

After the war, Dr. Simmons entered the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1950.

His son Robert J. said his father loved animals and teaching people how to care for pets.

"He would take as much time as he needed, so that he was satisfied they would do it the right way," he said. Dr. Simmons retired in 1978 at 65.

He was a Mason and Warrant Member of Leonard Furman Lodge 782 F&AM. After retirement, he worked at the Delaware County SPCA. He liked traveling, Philadelphia sports teams, and gardening.

Surviving, in addition to his wife and son, are sons David A. and Dean S.; a daughter, Rachel S. Kull; and four granddaughters.

Funeral services are 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, at Goldsteins' Rosenberg's Raphael-Sacks, 6410 N. Broad St., Philadelphia. Interment is at Roosevelt Memorial Park, Trevose.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania Hospital, 3535 Market St., Suite 750, Philadelphia 19104.