Thomas E. Semple

Thomas Edward Semple, Sr.,80, of Niles, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully in his home on October 28th, surrounded by his family. Born on July 1, 1944 in Warren, Ohio, Tom led a life rich with love, purpose, and adventure. A 1964 graduate of Niles McKinley High School, Tom answered the call to serve, drafted into the Vietnam War in 1965. Stationed in Germany as an Army medic, he served with unwavering dedication, earning an honorable discharge in May 1967.
Tom then pursued his passion for broadcasting at the Career Academy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he earned his degree in 1968. It was shortly after his service that Tom's life truly changed when he met the love of his life, Janice, on a blind date. The two were married on October 19, 1968, and recently celebrated 56 beautiful years together. Tom and Janice made their lifelong home in Niles and Tom spent three decades with the Girard Postal Service.
Together, Tom and Janice and their 3 children embraced a life of adventure and family, exploring all 50 states, embarking on 13 cruises, and journeying to 35 countries around the world. Clearwater Beach, Florida, held a special place in Tom's heart, and he returned there at least twice each year. Family events were weekly events and, never ones to stay home, their calendar was always full.
Tom's love of sports (attended the Indians opening day in Cleveland every year), and his dedication to children shone brightly in his 25 years as a baseball and softball coach, leading multiple teams to local and state championship. Tom expanded Niles Youth League baseball for girls and started the 1st ever boys traveling fast pitch team. In addition Tom and his wife Janice served youth as foster parents, and in their church as Sunday school teachers, soup kitchen workers, and Deacons.
Known as the life of the party Tom took immense pride in his Scottish and Irish heritage, his mom an immigrant from Scotland at the age of 16, the family celebrated St Patrick's Day as an annual holiday. Green was always his favorite color.
Above all, Tom cherished time with his family. As a grandfather to 9 grandchildren, he was perfect-always present for babysitting, family trips, Sunday dinners, bar-b-ques at his backyard pool, and his grandchildren's endless events where he showed up early and then wanted ice cream after. His life was joy-filled because his perspective was to savor it all, and that there was always something to be grateful for. He truly loved life.
He will be missed beyond measure.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Janice Olexo Semple; his daughters, Kimberly Blair and her husband Gil and Lori Reigle and her husband Sam; his son, Tom Semple and his wife Shannon; and his nine grandchildren: Katelyn, Kennedy, David, Karaline, Isabella, Sammy, Julia, Mia, and Emily. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and May Semple; his brother, Niles Fire Chief Charles Semple, Jr, and sister Dorthy Mae Grosbeck.
Friends may call Sunday from 3 to 6PM at The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.
Funeral services will be held 10AM Monday at First Christian Church of Niles preceded by a 9:30AM prayer service at the funeral home.
Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery where Tom will be honored for his military services.
Material contributions can be made to The American Alzheimer's Association, 255 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60601 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.
Arrangements are being handled by The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.
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