Obituary of Hopeton Kingsley Simons

Hopeton Kingsley Simons, 81, slept away peacefully surrounded by his family on May 27, 2016. The eldest of three children, Hopeton was born in Kingston, Jamaica to Ruthlynn Verona Simons (née Forte) and Albert Michael Simons on October 7, 1934. His early years were spent in Jamaica, where he graduated from Hellshire High School. In 1967, he, his lovely and devoted Wife, Estella, and their small children, migrated to the United States where they initially made their home in Hartford, Connecticut, and then later moved to the suburbs of South Windsor, Connecticut. While in Connecticut, Hopeton worked at The Hartford Times as an Electrician. After graduating from Prince Technical School, he accepted a position as the Lead Electrician at The Hartford Courant. Hopeton was also a professional photographer and developed his own photographs - many of which are still preserved to this day; a collector of cameras, radios and clocks; a nature lover, as he would spend time taking award-winning photographs of every and anything including landscapes, portraits and weddings; an excellent handyman and electrician, as there was never a problem he could not fix. Because of his outstanding skills, Hopeton was always in demand. Whenever called, he would not hesitate to assist anyone in need no matter how far. Hopeton was also an avid outdoorsman, as he loved to travel. He purchased an RV, and would often take road trips visiting many sites within the United States. Most of all, Hopeton loved his Family, and every summer, he would hook up the RV to his amped-up brown van, and take them on annual trips to the beach along the east coast of New England, where fond memories were made. After retiring in 1996, Hopeton and his wife, Estella, moved to Punta Gorda, Florida. He became a member of the Church of God of Prophecy in Punta Gorda. Hopeton loved working around the house, fixing and restoring old equipment, simply for the joy and challenge of it. Even in retirement, he continued to help friends and neighbors in need of an excellent handyman and/or electrician, and always did it with a smile. Hopeton is preceded in death by his parents. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife and love of his life, Estella Simons (née Jackson), affectionately known as Tiny; 6 children, Clovis Simons (Lori), Simone Simons-Hewitt, Garfield Simons (Cheryl); Roxanne Simons-Johnson, Mignon Simons-Judge (Eric), and Hopeton Simons, Jr. (Rachel); 12 grandchildren, Connie, Sharnelle, Kristen, Anthony, Christopher, Michael, Latoya, Justin, Jordan, Ian, Ashley, and Gary; 3 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild; 2 sisters, Valerie Anderson, affectionately known as Blossom, and Yvonne Tracey, affectionately known as Clare; beloved cousin, Cynthia Taylor, affectionately known as Dearest, who is more like his sister; beloved niece, April Mathis; and a host of nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be held at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home, 9400 Indian Spring Cemetery Road, Punta Gorda, Florida on June 3, 2016 at 11:00 am, with Bishop Dan Love officiating. Pay respects at www.charlottememorial.com. The Family of Hopeton Simons wishes to thank Tidewell Hospice Care.