John Semple

John Semple, 93, of Canonsburg, died Tuesday, March 14, 2017 in his home with his family by his side.

He was born July 1, 1923 in Scotch Run, WV, a son of James and Pearl Burr Semple.

Mr. Semple had been employed as a coal miner for Consolidated Coal’s Westland and Montour IV mines.

He was a veteran of World War II, having served with the US Marine Corps, 4th Marine Division from March 29, 1943 until November 15, 1945.  During most of 1944, he was in the Asiatic Pacific Theater, participating in action against the enemy on Ron-Namur, Kwajalein, Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima.

Mr. Semple was a member of the Marine Corps League, Washington County Detachment #1138, American Legion Post #902 in Houston, VFW Post #191 in Canonsburg and the Russian Club in Canonsburg.

On October 18, 1947, he married Katherine Lombardi who passed away February 19, 2002.

Surviving are four children, Mary Gates (Joseph) of Bridgeville, Janet Bayat (Nick) and John D. Semple both of Canonsburg and Robert G. Semple (Theresa) of Waynesburg; twelve grandchildren, Gary and Michael Gates, Jonathan and Benjamin Bayat and Zach, Hunter, Shane, Rose, Corbin, Amy, Frank and Kellie Ann Semple; 14 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Deceased are a son, Frank Semple; four brothers, Leo, Thomas, Frank and James Semple; and a sister, Mary Bitz.

Friends will be received from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. the time of service, Saturday, March 18, 2017 in the McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, Owner/Supervisor, 27 Cherry Ave., Houston, PA 15342.  Interment will be at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 21, 2017 in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. Full military rites will be accorded by the Marine Corps League, Washington County Detachment #1138 and the VFW #191, Canonsburg.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Western PA Wounded Warriors, 139 Mitchell Rd., Eighty Four, PA 15330 or wpawoundedwarrior@gmail.com.  

 Service Information