Obituary of Gerard F. Semchenko

Gerard “Jerry” Francis Semchenko, aged 66, of Clinton, New York, passed away from natural causes on the morning of October 22, 2016. Jerry was born on October 17, 1950, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the second child and first son of Geraldine Simmons and Adolphe Semchenko. Jerry spent his childhood in Dorchester, Massachusetts, and later in Quincy, Massachusetts where he was raised by his Mother and Stepfather, Joseph Leary. He served for four years in the Air Force. Jerry worked for the Department of Defense and then the Federal Aviation Administration where he was a Radar Specialist and Contract Administrator and enjoyed a long career. Jerry received an Associate in Applied Science and Data Processing from Mohawk Valley Community College in 1981. He married Elizabeth Geroux in 1971. They were blessed with two daughters and were married until her passing in 2005. In 2008 he married Joneen Matthews. He enjoyed a happy retirement in Clinton, NY. He was the standing president of the Clinton Historical Society. Jerry was a wonderful man. He was a loving Husband, Father, Stepfather, and Grandfather. He will be remembered as a gracious friend to many. Jerry was religiously faithful to his favorite baseball team, the Red Sox, and an avid crossword fanatic. He garnered much joy and merriment from his involvement with the Clinton Historical Society. Jerry enjoyed managing the Historical Society table at the Clinton Farmers Market. Many nights he could be found strolling the sidewalks of Clinton with his dog and best friend, Reggie. Jerry was a devoted and proud Grandfather who traveled across the state to attend his Grandson’s swim competitions. Jerry was an affable, was a great dancer, and was always willing to help out anyone in need. Jerry was preceded in death by his first wife, Elizabeth. He is survived by his Mother, Geraldine, his Wife, Joneen, his Daughters, Tanya and her Husband, Christopher, and Alicia, his Step-Daughters, Erica and Jessica, his Grandson, the apple of his eye, Alexander, and his five Siblings, Karen, Elaine, Jack, Billy, Beth, and multiple nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service is being held in his honor at the Clinton Historical Society on Sunday, October 30th at 2PM, in Clinton, NY. A private reception will follow the service.