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Dr. Melvin W. Simms, PhD, M.A., BA

 

Dr. Melvin Simms, of Somerville, MA, at age 78 passed away on the morning of December 26, 2022.

He was preceded in death by his parents David Christopher Simms and Alma Ruth Simms in Detroit, Michigan, and his partner Walter Samuel Norden in Somerville, Massachusetts. 

Beloved brother of Richard Leslie Simms and Timothy Darrell Simms and sister-in-law Danielle Irene Edwards Simms.

Survived by his nephew Brandon Armand David Simms, three great nieces, Savannah, Payton and Arielle Simms, and many other loving relatives and friends.

Having majored in applied violin at Boston University, Melvin was an accomplished musician. He played in several community orchestras and chamber groups.  He was a professional educator and teacher of high school mathematics and later a professor and Director of Computer Science Cooperative Learning at Northeastern University.  Known to all, Mel’s middle name should have been “Lover of Good Cuisine” and his home was always extended to visiting family and friends.

A memorial celebration will be held.  Future date and time to be determined.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in his memory to the American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org/donate) or Alzheimer Association (act.alz.org/donate).

Comments   
# Eddie Whitman 2023-01-01 16:47
It is with great sadness to learn of Mel's passing. I met him almost 40 years ago and he was a true Gentleman with a kind heart. We are all better people for having known Mel. My thoughts and prayers to all who loved him and grieve his passing. Eddie Whitman
# Cathy Lysy 2023-01-03 12:28
I met Mel over thirty-five years ago as a member on his team of co-op counselors

advising computer science undergrads at Northeastern University. My memories of Mel are rich,

varied, and treasured. We shared professional commitments, attended joyous Tuesday

evening BSO concerts at Symphony Hall, weddings of colleagues, and meals too

numerous to recall. We were never at a loss to express opinions, update each other about

our lives, and to learn from each other. Once while having lunch at Legal Seafood

a man seated close to us leaned over as he prepared to leave and said, "You two can't be married,

you haven't stopped talking since you sat down!" I will miss sharing meals and talking

with you, Mel. Thank you for being my mentor, confidant, and above all my friend. I will

love and carry you in my heart forever. Rest in peace dear friend.
# Timothy Darrell Simm 2023-01-08 05:53
I II found memory of My brother Melvin. I will miss you dearly. And I will always be eternally gratefull for the time you took caring for our mother.. words cannot explain how much that really meant to me. Even though I may have never told you. I thank God that .you are at peace and Pain free. I hope mom and dad were there to welcome you home. I don't have the words in me to express the lost i feel of your part in me. My God help me with this pain. Rest in peace big brother until we meet again. Love your Little brother Timmy
# Karl Miller 2023-02-13 19:14
I roomed with Melvin in my first and his final semester at Olivet College (Michigan). Melvin always smiled, cheerful, ebullient. He was a wonderful friend and I have thought of him often in the 59 years since.

This is a link to his Kappa Sigma Alpha photo page of that year:
https://www.ksaolivet.com/index.php/alumni/pledge-classes/1960-s-classes/1964

That smile!
# Larry Larson 2023-05-25 00:46
I knew Dr Simms from our summer working together at Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky, OH in 1964. Mel lived in Detroit at the time and I was a college student from WV. We happened to be housed next door to each other and we both had the same day off (only 1 day a week!). So we became friends and enjoyed our days off together. After that summer we gradually lost contact, but I finally reached him in Somerville, Mass. I was scheduled to take a work-related course north of Boston in 1997. We were able to get together on a few occasions. He gave me the “grand tour” of Boston. That was the last time I saw Mel. I am very saddened to learn of his passing.
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