David Charles Simonds

EAST CANAAN — David Charles Simonds, 71, died early Thursday morning March 17, 2022, at his home, surrounded by his family after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was the husband of JoAnn (Wakin) Simonds.

Dave was born in Great Barrington on Sept. 6, 1950. He was raised by his mother, Olga (Piretti) Darr, and his stepfather, Robert Darr.

Dave graduated from Oneonta High School in Oneonta, N.Y. Following graduation, he was drafted by the U.S. Army and was sent to Vietnam. In his time in the military, Dave achieved the rank of sergeant in Charlie Company/2nd 506 Battalion/ 101st Airborne Division.

When he returned home after the war, he reunited with his high school sweetheart, JoAnn, and settled in Canaan.

He first worked at Morgan Motors and then at Canaan Tire as a mechanic. In 1992, Dave and his wife, JoAnn, opened their own garage, Dave’s Tire and Auto on North Elm Street. He has operated that business for 30 years and during this time, their two sons joined them at the garage.

Dave was deeply involved in the community of Canaan. He refereed and coached basketball for the Canaan Youth Basketball program while mentoring kids in his community. He donated to numerous community projects in Canaan. Dave had a true love for farming, which began with a summer job in high school and his appreciation for local farming continued throughout his life.

Dave was an avid NY Giants football fan, and he spent years traveling to the stadium to tailgate with his close friends.

Both Dave and his wife, JoAnn, loved to watch the UCONN Huskies women’s basketball team.

Dave also enjoyed gardening, especially raising his prized tomatoes.

Dave was also involved in supporting the military community, including organizing military aid for active service members.

He also traveled the country alongside his fellow Vietnam soldiers to memorialize fallen comrades.

One of Dave’s other passions was traveling with and supporting Casey Racing.

Above all Dave’s wife, JoAnn, and their family came first.

In addition to his wife of 48 years, Dave is survived by his three children, Mark Simonds and his wife, Kristina, and their children, Madison and Jacob of Canaan, Scott Simonds and his wife, Jane, and their two children, Cole and Olivia of Canaan, and Kate and her husband, AJ Kriha, of Westfield, Mass. Dave is also survived by his sister, Debbie and her husband, Rich Brown, of Schenevus, N.Y.

Funeral services will be private. Memorial donations may be made to the Couch-Pipa VFW Post #6851, 104 South Canaan Road, Canaan, CT 06018.

Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home in North Canaan is in charge of arrangements.