Albert Andrew Simkus Jr., 79, of Bradenton, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, at Tidewell Hospice, Lakewood Ranch Hospice House, following a shocking diagnosis and 3-month struggle with metastatic pancreatic cancer.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Virginia Simkus, and his sister, Jan S. Bonial. He is survived by his sister, Susie S. Walters of Bradenton, Florida; his son, Andrew Simkus; his daughter, Danya Simkus of Benson, Arizona; and his grandson, Stewart Youngmann of Kingston, Washington.
Born on December 17, 1946, in Boston, Massachusetts, Al grew up in Bradenton Florida graduating from Manatee High School. His undergraduate work was done at Tulane and Centenary College of Louisiana, his Masters at University of Montana, and his PHD at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Al earned his PhD in sociology and devoted his career to the study of post-war attitudes, conflict resolution, social stratification, and social mobility. He designed and led massive multinational surveys, published many articles, coauthored 3 books, and helped coined the term "cultural omnivore." He made friends all over the world and felt deeply honored to learn their different customs and perspectives.
He held faculty appointments at the University of Michigan, Vanderbilt University, and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and served as a tenured professor at the University of Tromsø (UiT) and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, Norway.
He lived and taught in Norway for more than 20 years before retiring and returning to Bradenton eight years ago to be closer to family.
Beyond academia, Al was a worldwide traveler who enjoyed hiking, kayaking, photography, and cold, remote landscapes. He maintained a lifelong love of reading and learning, with interests spanning social science, literature, and global affairs. He was known for his intellect, droll sense of humor, and principled nature.
Friends and colleagues are invited to share memories photos and reflections in celebration of his life and legacy at www.Brownandsonsfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers his family requests donations made in his memory to TidewellHospice.org or UNICEF www.unicefusa.org.
A private graveside service will be held for family with Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, in charge of arrangements.
