Obituary of Albert Andrew Simkus

Dr. Albert Andrew Simkus of Bradenton passed peacefully October 14, 2021 at Surrey Place Healthcare and Rehabilitation after a joy filled and blessed 98 years. He was born June 26, 1923 in New Britain, Connecticut to Lithuanian immigrant parents, Walter and Pearl Simkus. Al met his beloved bride, Virginia Massey, while at the University of Alabama. Following an additional two years at the University of Alabama for medical school, Al and Virginia wed in 1946 in New Orleans and Al completed his medical training at Harvard Medical School in 1948. He interned at Charity Hospital of New Orleans with residency training on the Tulane Service of obstetrics and gynecology. He served in the U.S. Air Force as Chief of the obstetrics and gynecology at the Hamilton Air Force Base Hospital in Hamilton, CA. A residency in Shrevport, LA preceded the final move to Bradenton in 1954 where he established a private practice and delivered thousands of babies. In 1976 he stopped obstetrics and continued gynecology until he retired from the practice that had grown from Simkus, Southerland and Newhall to be called Manatee Obstetrics and Gynecology. He served the medical community through the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American College of Surgeons, American Medical Society, and State of Florida Medical Association with presidential leadership roles with the Manatee County Medical Society (1967) and Manatee Memorial Hospital Physician’s Staff (1973). He served Manatee County through his membership in the Jr. Chamber of Commerce and as a member of Bradenton Kiwanis. Al was a faithful member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church and he greatly relished his time (1964-1967) with the Desoto Historical Celebration, serving on the crewe and as padre during their 1964 trip to Spain. Never one to rest, Al greatly enjoyed the pursuit of snook, stocks, gardening, and golf at the Bradenton Country Club (into his 90s). His passion for the stock market, Crimson Tide football, and the well being of family and friends continued up to his last day. Al was an enormously inspirational, supportive, and loving patriarch and is survived and loved by his son, Al Simkus of Norway; daughter, Susie Walters and son-in-law Cliff Walters of Bradenton; Four grandchildren, Danya Simkus of Kingston, WA, Andrew Simkus of Davidson, N.C., Sarah Walters Burnsed and husband Jimmy Burnsed of Fort Myers, FL, and Logan Walters of St. Petersburg, FL; 3 great grandchildren, Stewart Youngmann of Kingston, WA, and Reed Burnsed and Layton Burnsed of Fort Myers, FL. Al was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Virginia, daughter Jan Bonial, sister Veronica Lynch, and brother Andrew Simkus. Al's family wishes to thank all the staff of Surrey Place along with Candy McCarley and Lorraine Shackett for their efforts in caring for "Dr Al." They also appreciate Kathy Gray's time and efforts in helping him retain his independence at home as long as possible. A family service and burial was held October 22 at Fogartyville Cemetery in Bradenton. Memorial contributions may be made to the Simkus Scholarship Fund (nursing and education) at the State College of Florida Foundation. Scf-foundation.org