Semenko

Melvin Roy “Mel” Semenko, 85, of Cranberry Township, passed away Friday, March 24, 2023, while under the care of Good Samaritan Hospice in Wexford.

Born Nov. 26, 1937, in Greensburg, he was the son of the late Michael William Semenko and Frances Robick Semenko.

Mel is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Cheryl Lynn Skinder Semenko; his two daughters, Holly Lynn (Gary) Nowicki of Cranberry Township and Jackie Ann (Tony) Garofalo of Pittsburgh; his granddaughter, Victoria Lynn Bertuca; his sister, Mariann Gongaware of Jeannette, Pa.; and his niece, Suzanne Croskey and great-nephew, Michael Croskey of York, Pa.

Mel was Ukrainian Orthodox by faith. He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Mel graduated from Jeannette High School in 1955 then began his college football career as offensive and defensive end for Colorado University.

From there, he went on to play for three Canadian League teams: British Columbia, Ottawa and Montreal. Mel was named to the Big 8 Conference and was also named All-Pro in the Canadian League. Mel played in the North-South Shrine game in 1960 at the Orange Bowl.

He was selected by Sports Illustrated Magazine as the best defensive lineman of the week for two weeks in a row. He later became head football coach and ran the football program at Karns City High School where he was also a track coach and a history, health and gym teacher. Mel will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, players and students.

SEMENKO — Friends of Melvin Roy “Mel” Semenko, who died Friday, March 24, 2023, will be received for visitation from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at BOYLAN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTER of Connoquenessing Township, 856 Evans City Road, Renfrew.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

He will be laid to rest at the Butler County Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Memorial donations can be made in Mel’s honor to Good Samaritan Hospice, 146 Neely School Road, Wexford, PA 15090.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.