Joseph M. Semple M.D.

Joseph Michael Semple, MD, age 94, died at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, January 18, 2026. He was born in Erie on March 5, 1931, a son of the late Joseph A. and Elizabeth (Mester) Semple.

Joe graduated from Cathedral Prep in 1949 and the University of Alabama in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science, Major in Chemistry and a Minor in Biology. Joe's schooling was interrupted by the Korean Conflict when he was drafted. He had leadership training at Ft. Dix, NJ. He was assigned to the 3rd Infantry Regiment, and the Honor Guard of the Army where he served as Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. After his military career, Joe attended Temple University School of Medicine, where he met Juliana, and graduated in 1959. He interned at Hamot Hospital and did his Residency in OB/GYN at Columbia University (Sloan Hospital for Women) and St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, NY. He was the first physician in Erie to perform amniocentesis. He was the first Doctor in Erie to permit fathers in the delivery room. Joe mentored and taught countless new OB/GYNs throughout his career. Eventually, he practiced long enough to deliver the babies of the babies he delivered. In addition, he taught at LECOM at its inception and received The Distinguished Faculty Recognition Award for Excellence in Teaching.

He was a member of the Erie Yacht Club and was an avid sailor and hunter.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers: Walter, Robert, George, and Thomas.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Juliana Semple: four children-Kathleen Kutz (John), Joseph P Semple, MD, James F Semple, DO (Laura), and Christine Semple (Bjorn Pettersen); five grandchildren-Allison Ernst (Nickolas), Maggie Kutz, Tim Kutz, Barbara Semple, and Benjamin Joseph Semple; one great-grandson-John Matson Ernst; a sister, Patty; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, January 26, 2026, from 9:30 am until the time of a funeral mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter Cathedral, 230 W. 10th St. Burial will be private in Erie Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 W. 38th St.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Interim Healthcare and Hospice of NWPA or a charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank Interim Healthcare and Hospice, its staff, and all of Dad's caregivers, under the guidance of Renee Wnek, for caring for him these last 15 months.