FRANKFORT, IL — A “loving husband, father, grandpa and partner, also known as Pickleball Phil, the Bond God and the chief,” is how Sarah Simmons described her father Phil Simmons, who died on Sept. 24.
“My dad loved Frankfort and felt very passionately about promoting volunteerism and enhancing parks for the community,” Sarah told Patch.
A father of four and grandfather of six, Phil also enjoyed playing pickleball and winning at cribbage. He had a 40-year career in fixed income portfolios.
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Phil was well-known around the Frankfort Park District, serving as a park district commissioner in the 2000s, and helping to start Operation Playground Foundation in 2000. He received numerous awards and proclamations for his service to the community.
The nonprofit group supports the park district, and was responsible for raising money to build Fort Frankfort at Commissioners Park. The foundation continues to maintain Fort Frankfort today, and has also installed a pump track, pickle ball courts and outdoor fitness equipment over the years.
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“My dad worked closely with the Park District but realized there was more funded needed in order to create projects like the original Fort Frankfort, Bark Park, planting 100 more trees, etc.,” Sarah said. “All the money raised by Operation Playground Foundation goes back into maintaining the parks or towards creating new projects.”
Phil supported the foundation for two decades, serving as its president for 22 years.
“Phil Simmons was a passionate man. Many people are passionate, but Phil acted on his passion. Phil’s role in the Fort Frankfort project was as the Fundraising Chair, securing the money and helping ensure it was taken care of,” the Operation Playground Foundation website reads. “From that day forward, Phil established and ensured Operation Playground Foundation was in place. Working with others to maintain the Fort and raising money to fill the gap for the Frankfort Park District. Phil loved his family and his community. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy is strongly rooted here in the community of Frankfort.”
“He was a loyal man. When he became invested in a project, whether personal or professional, it became a passion for him,” Sarah said.
Phil’s family will hold a Celebration of Life in Frankfort on Oct. 12, from 1 to 4 p.m. at 1004 Prestwick Drive. In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to the Operation Playground Foundation.
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