Obituary of Dr. Lawrence "Larry" Semenza

     Dr. Lawrence “Larry” Semenza, 75, of Springfield, Illinois, formerly of Old Forge, passed away on Tuesday, at St. John’s Hospital.  He was married the former Nancy Taft.  The couple celebrated their 30^th Wedding Anniversary on January 16^th.   

     Born August 22, 1942, in Newark, New Jersey, he was the son of the late Rocco and Marian Semenza.  Larry grew up in Old Forge, and graduated from Central High School, in Scranton.  He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Physics in 1960 from the University of Scranton and served in the United States Navy from 1960 – 1964. Following his naval service, he attended Northwestern University, earning a Master’s Degree and Doctorate in Nuclear Physics.  Upon, graduation, Larry worked at Argonne National Laboratory.  Later, he attended Medical School at Des Moines University, graduating with a Doctorate in Osteopathy in 1991.  He completed his residency in internal medicine at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, IL.  Throughout Dr. Semenza’s medical career, he worked in emergency medicine.  Most recently, he worked in the emergency room at Illini Community Hospital in Pittsfield, IL.  Dr. Semenza also worked in the U.S. Virgin Islands.  His family is particularly proud of his work in the emergency room of the Schneider Regional Hospital in St. Thomas during Hurricane Irma in 2017.  Dr. Semenza worked tirelessly for three weeks, often with little rest, to provide needed aid to victims of the hurricane.  Larry stayed on the island until all the hospitalized patients were safely transported to Puerto Rico or U.S. Naval Hospital ships. 

     Dr. Semenza is survived by his wife, Nancy Semenza, Springfield, three daughters, Laura Painter, Springfield, Lisa Schmick and husband Luke, Laguna Niguel, CA, Emily Richardson, Springfield, a sister, Rosalie Semenza, Old Forge, six grandchildren, five great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. 

     He was preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Summa.

     The funeral will be held Wednesday with Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in St. Mary of the Assumption Church at Prince of Peace Parish, 123 W. Grace St., Old Forge to be celebrated by the Rev. August A. Ricciardi, pastor. Interment will follow in the Cathederal Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the AMVETS Honor Guard. 

     Relatives and friends may call at the Prince of Peace Parish on Wednesday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

     Local arrangements have been entrusted to the Louis V. Ciuccio Funeral Home, 145 Moosic  Road, Old Forge.