Sidney Semel

Sidney Semel SAN DIEGO - Sidney Semel, 86, formerly of Norfolk, died Jan. 24, 2009. Born in New York City and raised in Syracuse, Mr. Semel, son of the late Bernard Schneider and Sarah Coplon Schneider Semel, served in the Army during World War II, studying at Ohio State University in a secret program at its behest. After the war, he moved to Norfolk and much later to San Diego. He was an independent businessman and salesman par excellence, although his passion was for handball and, in later life, racquetball. Mr. Semel was also a lifelong supporter of the Red Cross, serving as an "on call" platelet donor for decades and earned a multi-gallon pin. Mr. Semel is survived by his three children, Judy (Reuven) Rohn of Virginia Beach, Bernie Semel (Tricia Pummill) of San Diego and Debbie (Mark) Evans of Norfolk; two grandchildren, Karen (Avi) Alpert and David Johnson; one great-granddaughter; two sisters, Harriet Orleans and Rita (Ramon) Cohen of Norfolk; and one brother, Robert (Jackie) Semel of Virginia Beach. Funeral and burial was held in San Diego Jan. 26, 2009. The family will be sitting Shiva in Norfolk. Please call Temple Israel (757-489-4550) for Shiva arrangements. Donations may be made to a charity of choice.