Richard B. Semler

Richard B. Semler, 85, of Simsbury and formerly Greenwich, CT, the beloved husband of Vivienne (Mortimer) Semler, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Richard was one of three children and the only son of the late Francis J. and Catherine E. (Becherer) Semler. To his friends and family, he was known as "Dick". He was raised in Greenwich, graduating from Greenwich High School in 1958. Dick continued his education at The College of Aeronautics, Bridgeport Engineering Institute and UConn prior to his career in the aerospace industry. He was an engineering representative for the US Army and for commercial helicopters with Honeywell Aerospace in Stratford, CT for 35 years. He then worked 10 years with Chandler Evans/Goodrich Controls in West Hartford as Director of Aftermarket Sales to the PAC Rim before retiring in 2002. Dick enjoyed traveling abroad for work and leisure alongside Vivienne, with his stateside favorites being Ogunquit, ME and The Villages, FL. When at home, you would find him strumming his guitar or reading a good book. He was an avid golfer achieving 7 hole-in-one honors. He played in many golf leagues through work groups, in Scotland, and in a regular foursome of good pals. He spent many happy hours fishing in his kayak. A favorite pastime was maintaining his vegetable garden for 19 years while living in Farmington Woods. Dick held a special place in his heart for his dogs Lili, Pippa and Bitsy, his most recent rescue. What Dick cherished most of all was his time with Vivienne and his family. Dick is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Vivienne; daughters, Amy Semler of Aspen, CO, Lori and husband Tom Scala of Fairfield, CT and Hayden and husband David McHale of Stamford, CT; a son, Whit and wife Pamela Holden of Fairfield, CT; grandchildren, Max Clancy, Chelsea Scala, Kaylee Scala, Quinn McHale, Jack McHale, Tighe McHale, Ryann Holden, and Emery Holden; sisters, Harriet (Randy) Dinter of Stamford, CT and Diane Silbereisen of Greenwich, CT; sisters-in-laws, Lyn Tracy of Palatine, IL, Barbara Mortimer of Norwalk, CT and Ann (Malcolm) Dixon of Greenwich, CT; many beloved nieces and nephews and special friends. Predeceased by both parents, Francis and Catherine Semler and a brother-in-law, Peter Silbereisen. The family would like to thank the nurses at UConn John Dempsey Hospital ICU, the staff at Duncaster Caleb Hitchcock Health Center and McLean Home Care for their excellent care, dedication and kindness. Services will be private and will take place in Old Greenwich, CT at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The American Cancer Society, https://donate.cancer.org/ or by mail to P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate or by mail, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For online memory sharing and condolence please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com