John Semeniak

John (Poppy) Semeniak, 79, of New York Mills, passed away unexpectedly on January 11, 2026, at Wynn Hospital.
He was born, January 25, 1946, in Hanau, Germany, a son of Teodor and Anna Melnick Semeniak. John was a graduate of Notre Dame High School; and furthered his education at Utica College of Syracuse University. He earned his Master's degree from SUNY Cortland, and additional advanced degrees from SUNY Cortland. On April 19, 1969, John was united in marriage with the former Diane Homka at Sacred Heart Church, a blessed union of almost 57 years. Mr. Semeniak had a career in education. He began as a teacher and then assistant principal at Whitesboro Central School District, he served as Superintendent of Schools at New York Mills Union Free School for many years; and served as an administrator for several school districts, retiring as Assistant Superintendent of the Vernon Verona Sherrill School District. Mr. Semeniak was dedicated to his community, and proudly served as a Trustee and Deputy Mayor for the Village of New York Mills for many years. He was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus & St. Mary Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, New York Mills.
John was an avid baseball card collector; he played the trumpet; enjoyed golfing and watching grandkids play sports; and was a fan of the New York Yankees. Most of all, he was devoted to his family!
He is survived by his beloved wife, Diane; four children and their spouses, Lisa (Lee) Soja, Lori (Darrin) Desmarais, Andrea (Stan) Kepner, and John (Kate) Semeniak; and grandchildren, Cameron Soja, Miles and Raegan Desmarais, Madison and Kylee Kepner and Nolan, Sasha and Téa Semeniak. He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Walter Semeniak; and by his grandson (Best Buddy) Christian Soja.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the New York Mills and Yorkville Police Departments, the New York Mills Fire Dept. and EMT's for their response, care and concern.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Dimbleby Funeral Homes, Inc., 40 Main St., Whitesboro. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday 10:30 a.m., at the Church of the Sacred Heart & St. Mary Our Lady of Czestochowa, with Rev. Mark Kaminski officiating. Entombment will be private at Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to the ARC, in honor of John's late grandson, Christian.
Memorial tributes and messages of sympathy may be left at www.dimblebyfh.com.