Keith J. Simmons, 67, of Newtown, beloved husband of Kate (Lubus) Simmons, died May 27, at his home. He was born in Bridgeport, October 29, 1948, and was a son of the late Irene (Kish) and John Simmons.

He was a graduate of Newtown High School, Class of 1968.

Mr Simmons was a US Army Vietnam veteran, serving his country from 1968 to 1974, and being stationed in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970.

He then traveled the United States working in Ohio, Connecticut and Florida before returning to Connecticut.

Mr Simmons worked in the wine business, selling wholesale, retail and hand-selling to customers in the Connecticut, and, most especially, Newtown areas.

He was very skilled, and a great communicator. He always loved Newtown and the people there. Mr Simmons loved his family, friends and pets. Always gentle and kind, he was a good friend to many, and best friend to his wife of 21 years.

In addition to his wife, he leaves a sister, Gail Luf, and her husband Charles, of Newtown; his father-in-law, Hickey J. Lubus of Hawleyville; a niece and nephew, a grandniece, and many cousins.

Graveside funeral services and burial with military honors will take place on Saturday, June 4, at 12:30 pm, in the Newtown Village Cemetery, with the Reverend Matthew Crebbin, senior pastor of the Newtown Congregational Church, officiating. The family will receive friends at the time of the service.

The Simmons family expresses their gratitude to the Newtown Ambulance Corps, Danbury Hospital Intensive Care Unit, Step Down and Oncology Units, doctors, nurses and staff, as well as Masonicare Hospice for their care and compassion given to Mr Simmons and his family.

"Keith is with the angels now, but will always be with us in our hearts."

Contributions in Mr Simmons's memory may be made to the Vietnam Veterans Association (VVA), 8719 Colesville Road, Suite 100, Silver Spring MD 20910 or to Help Our Military Heroes, Inc, c/o Laurie A. Hollander, 15 Pheasant Lane, Easton CT 06612.

Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, 9-11 Granville Avenue, Danbury,  is in charge of arrangements.