Joseph Semonich Obituary

Joseph S. Semonich VIRGINIA BEACH - Joseph Stephen Semonich passed away Nov. 5, 2008, at his home. Born in Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Joseph and Helen Semonich. Joseph was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was the previous owner of the Elizabeth City Bed and Breakfast, and of the Secret Room Restaurant and Catering. Joseph retired as a musician with the U.S. Navy after 20 years of dedicated service. During his Navy career, he taught at the Navy School of Music. As a child, he was a member of the Musical Minors and had the pleasure of playing with Louis Armstrong. Later in life, he was a member of the Elizabeth City Elks Lodge and the Retired Navy Musicians Association. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 22 years, Darla Semonich; three children, Michael Semonich and his wife Mendy of Chesapeake, Joseph Semonich and his wife Donna and Marie North and her husband Ben, both of Richmond, Va.; eight grandchildren; his two sisters, Irene Donnelly and Gerry Washkuch and their children; nieces and nephew, Lauri and her husband Jeff, Cristi and her husband Jim, Denise, Debbi, Dana, Karen, Cari Mae and her daughters Chelsey and Lindsey, and Eddie and his wife Missi and their two daughters "Peanut" and "Peanut Butter"; great-niece and -nephews, Mallory, Connor, Hunter and Zachary and Kaylee. A funeral with full military honors being accorded will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5792 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach, with the Rev. Father Esteban DeLeon officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the chapel. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society and/or "Stand Up To Cancer," 1801 W. Olympic Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91199-1224 or call 1-888-907-8263. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.altmeyer.com.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Nov. 8, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Semonich

5 Entries

Michael Ballance & Deana Hewitt

November 15, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Ann Marie (Shear) Boyko

November 12, 2008

Geri,
I am very sorry to read that your dear brother passed away. Although I do not recall ever meeting him, I remember well how fondly you spoke of him. My sympathy and prayers to you and your family. Vichnaya Pamyat'

Butch & Kim Hampton

November 11, 2008

Joe we bid You "Fare Winds & Smooth Sailing as You Cross The Bar" Your friendship & storys will be missed. God Bless You,Your Famly & Your many friends.
Thanks to your service to your Country.
With Much Respect,
Butch & Kim Hampton

Bob and Janet Hargrove

November 9, 2008

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008

Tammie Krauss

November 9, 2008

Mr Joe was a great guy who could make me laugh just about every time I saw him. I loved his since of humor. He helped make special memories for many people by sharing his talents and opening the Bed & Breakfast and the Secret Room. He loved life, being with people, and made sure everyone knew he loved his Darla. We may be grieving now but we know Mr Joe is in a better place. Look up and find the brightest star tonight----that will be Mr Joe!!!

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