Alan R. Semple

Alan R. Semple, 79, of Winthrop Drive, Attleboro, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on February 2, 2012. He was the beloved husband of the late Janice L. (Jordan) Semple who passed in 2010. Born in Attleboro on December 19, 1932, he was a son of the late Richard and Grace (Woodward) Semple. Alan was educated in Attleboro schools and was a graduate of Attleboro High School, Class of 1951. He served his country proudly as a member of the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Alan built his first garage at age 14 for his mother on Hazelwood Avenue. He built his first home at age 15 for a friend of his mother. At age 17 he founded Alan R. Semple Construction, building many fine custom homes and buildings in the area until retirement in 1995. He also was a founding member of RAJA Realty Trust, Richardson Realty Trust, and Decade Investments. He was appointed to the Attleboro School Building Commission in 1972, which later became the Attleboro Municipal Building Commission, and served as a member until January 2007, overseeing many numerous projects for the benefit of the people of Attleboro. Alan was an avid Red Sox fan and also enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren during summers in Mashpee, where he was a resident for many years. Alan is survived by five children; Douglas Semple of Attleboro, Paula J. Mercier and her husband Thomas of Attleboro, Thomas C. Semple and his wife Antonette of Friendswood, Texas, James R. Semple and his wife Rosalie of Attleboro and Bill W. Semple and his wife Kristen of Attleboro, fourteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was the grandfather of the late Justin Mercier and Elizabeth Callista Semple, father-in-law of the late Maureen Semple, and brother of the late Richard Semple. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Duffy-Poule Funeral Home, 20 Peck Street, Attleboro where the Semple family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 8th from 4PM - 8 PM. A funeral service will be conducted in the Duffy-Poule Funeral Home on Thursday, February 9th at 10 AM. Alan will be laid to rest with full military honors in North Purchase Cemetery, Attleboro. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mr. Semple's memory may be made to: Susan G. Komen for the Cure, att: Donor Services, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309, or American Heart Association, 20 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701, or Hospice of CVNA, 10 Emory St., Attleboro, MA 02703, or Attleboro Scholarship Foundation, Class of 1951, 89 North Main Street, Attleboro, MA 02703.