John C. Semmler

It is with great sadness that we announce John C. Semmler passed away unexpectedly on August 4, 2022 at the age of 77. The son of Harold and Ruth Semmler, John was born in Marion, NY on May 6, 1945.  He was one of three brothers. At the time of his passing, John resided with his beloved niece, Lori Bieschke, in Port St. Lucie, FL.  For many years John had divided his time between his family in Seminole, FL and Ithaca, NY where he lived with his partner Pam Silverstein.  John disliked Ithaca’s winters but loved playing golf in Florida.

John graduated from the Cornell University Class of ‘68. He worked for Cornell University Vet School as the Assistant Dean of Public Affairs, for more than twenty years before being recruited by the University of Sydney, Australia to become their new Director of Development.  After three years down under, John returned to Ithaca and continued working with Universities in Australia remotely until he retired.  John dedicated his energy and passion working with nonprofits most of his life which continued into his retirement.  When John sold his home on Mt. Pleasant, he donated some land to Cornell Botanic Gardens for research and walking trails in memory of his son Andrew who had died in 2013 due to complications from leukemia.  It is called the Andrew Semmler Track.  See picture below:

There are no words to adequately express our appreciation to his Port St. Lucie nieces and nephews.  During the time Uncle John was there, besides getting closer to them, he developed a special relationship with Lori’s grandson Logan, who ate candy with him and who was with him at the end.  They made Uncle John their priority from November until his passing.  We would also like to extend a special thanks to his friend, Jess Roth, who helped him during his time in Seminole.

John had just returned from a family reunion when he was diagnosed with Covid.  He was beginning to bounce back and excited by plans for his future which included helping children in Lori’s elementary school learn to read.

John is survived by his younger brother, William (Kathy) Semmler; sister-in-law Jean Semmler, widow of John’s older brother Dan, (predeceased 3 months ago); daughter Kathleen Semmler (Salvatore); grandchildren Lauren (Josh) Solley and Peter (Kirsten) LaLuna; 5 loving great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.

He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. There will be a visitation at Bangs Funeral Home, 209 W. Green St, Ithaca, NY 14850 Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022 from 10:00am-11:00am followed by graveside services at the East Lawn Cemetery, 934 Mitchell St, Ithaca, NY 14850.

Contributions in John’s memory can be made to: The Community Foundation of Tompkins County, Ithaca Children’s Garden, The History Center in Tompkins County or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made to John’s family at www.bangsfuneralhome.com