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BORN
1937
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
Melvin Semenko Obituary
Born Nov. 26, 1937, in Greensburg, he was the son of the late Michael William Semenko and Frances Robick Semenko.
Mel is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Cheryl Lynn Skinder Semenko; his two daughters, Holly Lynn (Gary) Nowicki of Cranberry Township and Jackie Ann (Tony) Garofalo of Pittsburgh; his granddaughter, Victoria Lynn Bertuca; his sister, Mariann Gongaware of Jeannette, Pa.; and his niece, Suzanne Croskey and great-nephew, Michael Croskey of York, Pa.
Mel was Ukrainian Orthodox by faith. He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Mel graduated from Jeannette High School in 1955 then began his college football career as offensive and defensive end for Colorado University.
From there, he went on to play for three Canadian League teams: British Columbia, Ottawa and Montreal. Mel was named to the Big 8 Conference and was also named All-Pro in the Canadian League. Mel played in the North-South Shrine game in 1960 at the Orange Bowl.
He was selected by Sports Illustrated Magazine as the best defensive lineman of the week for two weeks in a row. He later became head football coach and ran the football program at Karns City High School where he was also a track coach and a history, health and gym teacher. Mel will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, players and students.
SEMENKO - Friends of Melvin Roy "Mel" Semenko, who died Friday, March 24, 2023, will be received for visitation from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at BOYLAN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTER of Connoquenessing Township, 856 Evans City Road, Renfrew.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
He will be laid to rest at the Butler County Memorial Park Mausoleum.
Memorial donations can be made in Mel's honor to Good Samaritan Hospice, 146 Neely School Road, Wexford, PA 15090.
Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Melvin Semenko
David Craig
April 22, 2023
Mel influenced many of us to be tough when the going gets rough. In the 1975 Little Twelve Championship Game against Clarion, we that were there all remember what Coach Semenko told his KC offensive line how to block when he took the field to emphasize that important moment. George Beck then scored on a qb sneak and "One A Day" Pat Slagle kicked the extra point to give KC a 14 - 13 win !
Mel was also a very good history teacher who not only knew the facts but with his dry humor made History very interesting as well. We were very fortunate to have such a man walk the halls of Karns City for many years.
Ken Shumaker
April 16, 2023
What a tremendous loss to family and all who knew him. He will not be able to be replaced. KCHS was better for having him on our team.
Ed McConnell
March 29, 2023
Our deepest sympathy from the Ed McConnell family Mel was a great coach and teacher. RIP
Judy Dunn
March 29, 2023
Cheryl and Family, Yoou have my deepest sympathy in the loss of Mel. He was a great coach and teacher at Karns City. He touched so many lives . God be with you through these tough times.
Bob Rankin
March 28, 2023
Mel,
"May Peace Be with You" as you're blessed and resting. Condolences to your family and all who will miss your engaging presence.
Bob Rankin
Dennis O'Donnell
March 28, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Rest in Peace Coach!
Jim Fair Jr
March 27, 2023
Coach Semenko was one of a kind and taught us respect for ourselves and others. He was a big part on who I am today and my never quit attitude. Thank you coach!My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends he will be missed by many.
Barbara Bellotti
March 27, 2023
Coach Semenko was an impactful teacher with amazing listening skills and a social, emotional leader in my life. He checked in with me in the hallways or after he had weight training in the weight room from time to time over a few years while I was in high school. I grew up as an athletic female during a time that it was not popular for girls. Coach would open the weight room and let me sneak in for a few reps after the boys were done. He often related my body imaging of myself to what he felt his wife would think or say. I often stood in awe as I saw him jog around the track consistently for day after day. He often shared his love of history while I shared my love of math with our conversations. His love of fitness influenced my life in positive ways and helped me grow to accept my love for staying fit.
My condolences to the Mel Semenko family. His presence was felt with much KC pride and the community will carry on his amazing tribute of time. I am sorry for the grief, sadness, and loss felt by all. May this short window of time with positive impact to a female, athletic, country girl bring some peace to your heart.
Sincerely,
Barbara Bellotti (Seybert) now from San Diego, CA
Bryan Fleeger
March 27, 2023
Coach Semenko defined KC football. He made his teams as tough as he was. My deepest condolences to his family.
Anderson
March 27, 2023
Mel was KC Football deepest sympathies to his family
Rusann Anderson
March 26, 2023
Your family has my deepest sympathy.
Rarushnda
March 25, 2023
My sympathy to the family. My heart goes out to you Cheryl.
Lisa Barbary
March 25, 2023
Dear Holly, Cheryl, and Jackie. Mel was a huge part of my life growing up with all of you. He will always be remembered to me as the "hawk". Hugs and kisses to you.
Russ Schultz
March 24, 2023
Mr. Semenko definitely influenced my life. He signed me up for the track team when I said "no" I didnt want to run track. I ended up running track since he signed me up and it was great! I was a runner for years after that!
Joe Thompson
March 24, 2023
Mr. Semenko was one of the best teachers/coaches to bless the Karns City School District with his talents. Those of us that had the opportunity to be led by him are truly blessed. My sincerest condolences to his family and closest friends.
Jason Hillwig
March 24, 2023
Mr. Semenko was a huge influence in so many of our lives. So sorry for your loss.
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Boylan Funeral Homes, Inc. - Evans City116 E Main St, Evans City, PA 16033
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