John Semczuk

John Semczuk, 73, of Slater Street, Amsterdam, NY; passed away Monday October 7, 2019 at St. Mary’s Healthcare in Amsterdam.

Born in Straubing, Germany on November 10, 1945, he was the son of the late Kassian and Olga Kaluk Semczuk.

John received his education in the Amsterdam school system and was a graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School. He also attended Albany Business College.

For twenty three years, John worked as a Mechanical Specialist at General Electric and subsequently for seventeen years at the Material and Processing Lab on Maxon Road in Schenectady, NY.

As a young man, John enjoyed hunting and fishing with his dear friend, Jim Olbie, and after 30 years of hunting he finally scored not one but two deer on the same day, he was so proud! Although he was no Jack Nicklaus, he loved the game of golf and played for many years in different leagues, and looked forward to his trips to Myrtle Beach. He coached Little Giants for a few years, and then when his son and daughter both played little league ball, sometimes on the same night, his wife would attend one game, and John would attend the other. He was also active in cub scouts with his son Michael’s troop, and their trips to Blue Mountain Lake and Phillip’s Grove were really special. John also bowled for many years with the ALC mixed league with his wife, and then in the Trinity men’s league. He also played softball for the Ukrainian and ALC clubs. John loved camping with his family and friends at Sacandaga Lake and Wells campsites. Anyone who would visit would always tease him that he had the most meticulous set up they ever saw.

John was a former member of St. Nicholas Othhodox Church in Troy, NY; a 40 year member of the Reid Hill Fish & Game Club, and he looked forward to the fishing derby every year. John coached the Maroon Maulers in the Little Giants Football League and coached P.A.V. in the Wee Men Minor Little League; he was Past President and Vice President of the Ukrainian Club in Amsterdam and also a member of the P.A.V., Bigelow Weavers Club and the Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course.

John is survived by his wife, Catherine Blatchford who he married October 12, 1968, one son, Michael Semczuk of Amsterdam, one daughter, Tanya Semczuk of Ballston Lake, NY, one brother, Roman Semczuk (Marusia) of Amsterdam. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, brother and sister in laws also survive.

Funeral services will be held Friday October 11, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the Riley Mortuary, Inc., 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010, with Rev. Jeffrey L’Arche, M.S. officiating.

Relatives and friends may pay their respects from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. prior to the service.

So the next time you’re out talking or thinking of John, raise your glass and shout out “Nazdorov’ya”

To send online condolences to the family, visit www.rileymortuaryinc.com