Melvin Sembler

My condolences to Mel's family. He was a founder of modern St Petersburg.

My then boyfriend took me to St. Pete to meet aunt Betty and Uncle Buddy for "first appraisal " of me as a future wife! They both were warm, welcoming, kind. Many memories followed. All joyous.

Ambassador Sembler was a great role model and will be sadly missed. Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time. Please accept my sincere Sympathy.

Baruch Ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melech HaOlam, Dayan HaEmet. Blessed are you God, King of the Universe, the True Judge. Ambassador Sembler was a great fan of The Florida Orchestra and I had a nice collegial relationship with its former CEO, Michael Pastreich. Michael invited me to a brunch where "Mel and Bettie" were joining. I was so intimidated as being up close and personal with Ambassador Sembler and his lovely wife Bettie(z"l) was like meeting the President of the US and Queen Elizabeth!...

Sincere condolances to Mel's family. Mel had a huge impact on my life as a friend, mentor, boss and even a partner. One thing that I always think about is the knock out drag out fights we would have in meetings, but when over we would go to lunch and they were forgotten. Mel was able to stick it in a "cubbyhole" and move on. Just one lesson that he taught me. Was fortunate to have Mel as a friend and already miss him terribly.

The Sembler Family Deepest sympathies. Thoughts and prayers. Jake Hornstein

Mel was a giant in the retail real estate industry. I met Mel in 1979 shortly after I got my first position as a real estate manager for a national retailer. Mel was always so gracious and caring. He was a friend for life. As successful as Mel was as a shopping center developer and ambassador, he always made time for others and he and Betty were always among the most charitable. Both Mel and Betty worked hard to make a difference in not only making their community better, but also...