Frank Semelka, age 85, of North East, died following a brief illness surrounded by his family on Friday November 21, 2025, at UPMC Hamot.  He was born on May 17, 1940, in Scranton, PA to the late William and Marie Marciano Semelka.  Frank attended North East High School and later served in the United States Army.

He was a grape farmer and owner of Semelka Farms, Inc. and a member of the National Grape Co-operative Association.  He was also a member of St. Gregory Catholic Church and Lakeview Country Club and American Legion Post #105.  Frank loved his family dearly and also enjoyed playing golf.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his sons, Frank Jr. and Carl, his sisters, Margaret Laskowski and Carmen Murphy, his brother, William Semelka, Jr., and his nephew, Fred Laskowski, Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joanne Batorik Semelka, whom he married January 28, 1967 at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Erie; his son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Melanie Semelka; his grandchildren, Joseph, Anthony, Luke, Meredith, Juliet, and Bethany Semelka; his sister-in-law, Roseann Semelka;  and his nieces & nephew, Teri (Richard), Diana (Ralph), Bill (Susan), and Ann-Marie.

His family expresses its gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at UPMC Hamot’s ICU for their compassion and skill.

Family and friends may call at the W. Tad Bowers Funeral Home 92 South Lake Street, North East, PA on Friday, November 28, 2025, from 3 to 6 P.M. and are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 1:00 P.M at St. Gregory Catholic Church. Interment will be at St. Gregory Cemetery, North East, PA.  Memorials may be made to St. Gregory Church, 136 W Main St., North East, PA  16428.