Tyler W. Simonds

STERLING --- Tyler W. Simonds, 41, passed away unexpectedly on May 15, 2022, from injuries sustained in a fall at work. Surrounded by his loving family and friends, he passed at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.

Tyler was born on October 5, 1980, the son of Tom and Fran (Metzger) Simonds of Sterling. He was a graduate of Concord Academy, Vassar College, and St. John’s University School of Law. A “fearless defenseman,” Tyler played varsity lacrosse at both CA and Vassar where he earned All Conference/Academic honors for three years. He was employed by the New York Transit Authority.

Tyler will be remembered as a good listener, unassuming, never judgmental of those he loved, and a voracious reader. His circle of friends was composed by those from all walks of life. Tyler’s gifts to the world have been articulated genuinely by his long-time friend Benjamin W. Bernard: “There has never been a more caring and loyal friend than Tyler. He stood with his friends through anything, always with a smile on his face and a witty, salty remark. You knew Tyler would be there for you no matter what. His love was who he was in that he shared it wide and without condition; it was in his DNA. His love of animals showed just how deep and caring he was as a person. Not caring was not an option for Tyler. It is who he was.

He loved his world of TV and movies, but even more than that, he loved bringing people into that world.

He loved his parents without end and cherished the time spent with them. He was the perfect combination of both Tom and Fran, the tough and the soft.

There is a hole in all of us now that he is gone. Every person that knew him will miss his messages, his phone calls, and watching him sweat thru the spiciest dish on the menu, even to the shock of the people who had made the dish.

Tyler was a friend’s friend, simply all the caring, understanding, and support you could ever ask from a person. He was tough but sweet, moral but understanding. He was one of the best, and we are all the lesser off without him in our lives.”

Another close friend, Josi Ward, shared her remembrances: “Tyler’s humor was sharp and incisive. His interests were never casual. His love of film and literature was a secret to no one. The friends with whom he shared his opinions and tastes learned to see all things with new appreciation and joy.”

In accordance with Tyler’s wishes, he was an organ donor whose humanitarian gifts bettered if not saved the lives of his recipients.

In addition to this parents and friends, Tyler will be sadly missed by his uncle Bill Metzger and wife Pat; uncle Doug Simonds; and loving cousins.

Per request of Tyler and his family, there will be no calling hours or services. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Tufts Wildlife Clinic (wildlife.tufts.edu) or SaveAFox Rescue (saveafox.org).

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