Thomas Semple

Thomas Stephen Semple, 84, of Erie passed away peacefully on April 5, 2023.

He was born on May 2, 1938, the son of the late Joseph A. and Elizabeth (Mester) Semple. 

He was a 1952 graduate of St. Andrew’s and a 1956 graduate of Cathedral Prep.  He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Edinboro University and a Masters’ degree in Earth and Space Science from Penn State University.  He worked as a science teacher in Wintersville, OH for four years, at Cathedral Prep for ten years, at Academy High School for two years, and night school classes at Penn State Behrend, finally retiring from Strong Vincent High School in 2000, after 15 years there.

Tom served in the U.S. Navy on active overseas duty from 1957 to 1961 achieving the rank of Airman 1^st Class. After completing college he served in the U.S. Army Reserves for 16 years achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Tom was a member of St. Andrews’s Church.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing and boating.

In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Patricia A. (Ruf) Semple; and three brothers, Walter, Robert and George Semple.

Survivors include a son, Thomas J. Semple and his wife Laurie, and their two children, Stephanie and Rachel Semple all of  Concord, CA; a daughter Elizabeth M. (Semple) Pelinsky, of Erie; a brother, Dr. Joseph Semple and his wife Julianna of Erie; a sister, Patricia Semple of Indiana and many nieces and nephews.

Services were private and held at the convenience of the family and burial was held in Calvary Cemetery by the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, West Ridge 3801 W. 26^th Street, Erie, PA 16506.

Memorials may be made to the family in care of the Burton Quinn Scott Funeral Home.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com.