John Brett Simmons, 48 of Madison, Connecticut passed away after a brief illness Wednesday, December 7, 2022 with his loving family at his side. Brett was a devoted husband, loving father, dear brother and son, dedicated uncle, and beloved friend and colleague. He was known for his humor, intelligence and infectious laugh. Brett had a kind and gentle heart that will live on in the lives he touched. He was a graduate of Alvirne High School (1993). He graduated with a degree in Sports Management from Keene State College in 1997, where he was a member of the Sigma Lambda Chi Fraternity. He had a long and dedicated career in the field of parks and recreation. He most recently served as Superintendent and Director of the Torrington, Connecticut Parks and Recreation Department since 2009. Brett was deeply loved by his family. He is survived by his wife Jocelyn (daughter of John and Joan Argento), two precious sons Braeden Sullivan and Bryce Patten, loving parents John and Sandy Simmons, his adoring sisters Colleen Ross, Mary Howes (Jeff), Maureen Carter (Dan), and Kathleen Beauregard (Craig). As an uncle he cherished his 13 nieces and nephews, Abby, Ryan (predeceased), Brian (predeceased), Becca, Christie, Eric, Brendan, Maggie, Gavin, Isaac, Cara, Payton, and Bridget. Brett was a true sports fanatic. He loved the Patriots and Red Sox with a passion. Brett found the most joy watching his boys excel in the sports they love. He was always their biggest and proudest fan in the stands.
The visiting hours will be Sunday, Dec. 11th from 2 to 6 PM at The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. Family and friends are invited to go directly to St. Margaret Church, 24 Academy Street, Madison on Monday morning at 10:00 to attend a Mass of Christian burial and are also invited to attend the committal service immediately following in West Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in memory of Brett the family welcomes contributions to Braeden and Bryce’s Education Fund. We will graciously be accepting donations now and ongoing until they graduate college (Braeden 2028 & Bryce 2033). Please make checks payable to Fidelity Investments. They can be mailed to Mary Howes, 6037 Brown Ridge Drive, Shawnee, KS 66218.
I had the pleasure of working under Brett at the Torrington Parks and Recreation for a short time a few years ago. He was a great boss to work for and an even better friend. He was so dedicated to the community and was there for every event. I feel like I watched his kids grow up and still remember us all cheering for them at their baseball tournaments. Even though I moved away from the town when I left to go to college, Brett still continued to talk with me and reached out when he needed assistance with things. He was a great father and was devoted to his family. I still can’t believe everything that happened and will miss him terribly. I wish everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him and working with him peace in this difficult time. While an angel gained his wings, the community lost a great person and whomever fills his spot will have great shoes to fill.
I had the pleasure of working under Brett at TPR and to say it was an honor would be an understatement. When I started, I was pursuing a degree in Sports Management and he was always extremely supportive of where I was in my career journey. He allowed me the reigns on a lot of projects so that I could further my experience in the field I wanted to make my professional life in.
When Brett found out I was pregnant, he was the most supportive person. He made sure I always knew it was my health first and the job next. I remember him telling me when he met my son “don’t blink, he’ll be running away before you know it.” His boys and his wife were his world and we all knew it. It was so pleasurable working for such a family man.
Brett’s loss will be felt by the Torrington community for many years to come. His dedication to a city that he didn’t even reside in was unwavering and remarkable and we are all incredibly thankful for the work that he did for Torrington.
His family is in my thoughts and prayers. Rest peacefully, Brett.