John Albert Simmons

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John Albert Simmons, who passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday March 22nd, 2026, after a courageous and fiercely fought battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) at the age of 72. 

John was a devoted husband, cherished father, beloved son, grandfather, and friend, leaving an enduring legacy of love and strength. John faced the immense challenges of ALS with unwavering determination and an inspiring spirit. Even as the disease gradually limited his physical abilities, his laughter, wit, and love for his family never faltered. He found joy in spending time with his loved ones, sharing stories and creating cherished memories. 

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Maria Rose Simmons, and his children: Danielle Ritenuti, Jessica Harper, Angela Ziemba, Jonathan Simmons, Joannah Marie Harvey, Jenzy Mae Sioco and Jan Michael Sioco and his grandchildren: Uriah Courage Harper (19), Ashlyn Adore Harper (18), Caelan Fierce Harper (15), Ainslee Life Harper (13), Tre’ Albert Harvey Jr. (12), Ethan Benedict Nguyen (9), Logan Alexandra Ziemba (8), Joseph Michael Ziemba III (6), Henry Amedeo Ritenuti (6), Jan Michael Sioco Jr. (5), Paris Damon Harvey (4), and Serenity Rose Sioco (2) and many other grieving family members and friends who will miss his kind heart, infectious smile, and boundless love. 

John was born in Clearfield, Pennsylvania in 1953, the only child of Arnold and Ina Simmons. Though he was raised on a farm, he had the mind of an engineer and a knack for problem solving. He could fix anything or build it from the ground up. He always required his kids to help him with these projects so they could learn his methods. His favorite knowledge to share was his masterfully crafted recipes, since he immensely enjoyed cooking. He would add his own flare while following the recipe meticulously. 

John lived life to the fullest by traveling the world, scuba diving, sailing, golfing, playing softball, singing karaoke, and learning about history. 

He was also a driven project manager and consultant for nuclear and hydro-electric power plants around the world. John worked for the following companies during his long career in the nuclear industry; Ebasco, Baldwin Associates, Fischbach & Moore, Raytheon E&C, Washington Group, SGT, URS, CB&I, Wachs Services, CanAtom, and Energy Solutions. This included work on major projects including WPPSS Units 3&5, STP Units 1&2, Clinton Unit 1, Watts Bar Units 1&2, Salem Unit 1 SGR, Oconee SGR, Prairie Island Unit 1 SGR, Calloway SGR, Diablo Canyon SGR, NAO Unit 1 recover, and Darlington Unit 2 RFR. 

A closed viewing to immediate family and close friends will be held at Shellhouse-Rivers Funeral Home (715 East Pine Log Road, Aiken, South Carolina 29803) at 1:00PM on March 28th, 2026. 

A Celebration of Life to honor John will be open to all and held on May 2nd, 2026, at Shellhouse-Rivers Funeral Home (715 East Pine Log Road, Aiken, South Carolina 29803) at 2:00PM. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation (t2t.org(http://t2t.org/)), Disabled American Veterans Association (help.dav.org(http://help.dav.org/)) or Equality Now Organization - A just world for all women and girls (equalitynow.org(http://equalitynow.org/)), in his honor. We are heartbroken by his absence but find comfort in knowing that he is now at peace, free from the constraints of ALS.

SHELLHOUSE - RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC