Livonia: At age 56, Roger passed unexpectedly on April 25, 2020. Survived by his wife of 22 years, Cynthia (Werner) Semmel and son Brandon Semmel; parents Wayne and Joanne Semmel of Geneseo; and brother, Robert (Lisa) Semmel of Leicester. Also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Roger was born on December 9th, 1963 in Warsaw, NY. Roger grew up in Geneseo, NY where he would graduate from Geneseo Central in 1982. On May 23, 1998 Roger married Cindy (Werner) Semmel in Geneseo, NY. They moved to Livonia in 2010. He had a 27-year career with Wegmans where he was an electrical project manager. Roger loved the outdoors as he loved hunting and fishing, he loved sports as he played football and threw in track and field throughout high school. He would coach for many years through youth football and baseball and volunteer for the football, basketball, and lacrosse program at Livonia Central School. He was a member of the Livonia Rotary and an active member in The United Methodist Church. Roger loved being a part of the community and helping in any way he could whether that was volunteering at the Hemlock Fair or helping out with any sporting event he could. Roger loved spending time with his family through sports, being in the outdoors, vacations, or being a part of his father’s race car team. Roger was loved by many in the community as he positively affected so many people through his caring and selfless actions.
Funeral services and burial at Union Cemetery, Livonia, NY will be held privately. In the future a Celebration of Roger’s Life will be held at the United Methodist Church of Livonia. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Roger’s memory to the United Methodist Church of Livonia, 21 Summers Street, Livonia, NY 14487, Livonia Rotary Club, PO Box 307, Livonia, NY 14487, or the Livonia Ambulance, PO Box 8, Livonia, NY 14487. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
I am so very sorry for your loss. My dad Gus Stiokas always spoke so fondly of Roger. My thoughts are with you during this incredibly difficult time.
My thoughts and prayers to the family/friends at this time. Sorry for the loss of a terrific man. He will be greatly missed by all. Peace be with you now and forever. One way to remember him was his smile.
Wayne, Joanne, Cindy, Brandon, Rob, and Lisa; Marsha and I are shocked to read of Rodger’s passing. It seems like only yesterday that he was playing with our kids when we lived in the house the Lima Rd. Little did we know at the time he would later buy that house.
We feel so sad for all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Jim and Marsha Welch
Cindy and Brandon , I am saddened to hear about the passing of Roger. Cindy, I remember how you would tell me stories about your family when we worked together at Wegmans. My heart aches for you, but know that God gained a ANGEL and I pray that you find comfort in knowing we are praying for you
Cindy,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cindy and Brandon, my heart breaks for you at this sad time. Roger was so sweet. When I worked at Wegmans, and even shopping, I would sometimes see him. Always happy and always smiling! My brother who was one of Rogers best friends will miss him dearly. So young, too young. God Bless you, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cindy and Brandon….. Holding you close in my heart. Everyone says they are never truly gone, I’m sure Don was one of the ones to greet him at heavens gate, Bless you both and may the good Lord keep you close.
Cindy, Brandon, Rob, Lisa & kids, plus dad & mom Semmell – prayers for peace at this time! Roger was so loved by so many, a true friend to anyone that knew him! Kudos to Roger & Rob’s parents, they raised 2 of the most amazing guys, and I feel blessed that they have been part of my life! Sending lots of love your way, Betsy
Cindy, I am so terribly sorry for your loss! Sending our prayers and condolences to you Brandon and all of the family.
Wayne, Joanne and family, i am so sorry to hear about Roger. I remember him as a teenager when we were part of Geneseo Christian Fellowship. Praying for the Lord to carry you through this difficult time
I worked with Roger for many years at Wegmans and loved to hear his stories of coaching and how proud he was of his son Brandon and wife Cindy. Also admired his sportsmanship with hunting, he never took the environment for granted and always used restraint for the perfect shot.
I will most certainly miss seeing him at “Twisters”, work, and other hometown events. Thoughts and prayers to the Semmel and extended family.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family. Lyle and Helen Thiele and Carol Lee Pattridge
I am so sorry to hear about the unexpected passing of Roger. I didn’t have a lot of time with Roger but we did endure some fairly good conversations thru out Livonia LaCrosse with Brandon and my son. Some of the best talks came when we were cooking hot dogs under the bleachers for after the Home varsity Lax games. We talked Lacrosse and oh yes hunting.
Will miss that smile and kindness. My condolences to Cindy and Brandon.
Such an incredible loss!
I know every time I think of Roger, I will remember his incredible spirit, friendly attitude, and his love for his family!
We all need to be more like Roger!
Becky Johnson, Class of ‘82
Prayers to you all.
Cindy and Brandon and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is breaking for you. I always enjoyed our visits when Roger would come to pick Brandon up from my house. He will be truly missed by whoever knew him. May God Bless you All in your journey ahead. All my love, Lisa.
Roger would plow our driveway every winter. He was so friendly and the most wonderful neighbor. He had great faith in God, and was so generous and kind. We will miss his great big smile as he mowed his perfect lawn. Our prayers are with his family during this time., especially Cindy and Brandon.
Love, The Stevens Family
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Roger’s passing. My most Heartfelt Prayers go out to the entire Semmel Family. Roger was so full of Life and a true Joy. God Bless.
Our hearts are broken. Roger made all of us smile every time he visited us. The Lord has a wonderful Angel and he will forever be missed by so many.
Roger was a good man and a great father. My heart goes out to Cindy and Brandon. He was the type of guy that would always try to cheer me up if he sensed I was down. Just a great guy.
Brandon and Cynthia, we are truly sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Anne and Fred Mosher
His family, community and the world has lost a kind man. My condolences to all who will miss him but especially his family.
I am sorry to hear of this. Roger was a great Wegmans employee. Condolences to his family.
I remember Roger coming to the South St Town Barns to visit all the time when he was just a kid. He was such a polite and respectful person. He and his brother loved to ride their go-kart around the parking lot at the Town Barn. I will always cherish the times I’d run into him and we would talk family and hunting by the hour. I could go on a long time about Roger. He was always so kind and enjoyable to talk to. He will be missed a great deal! My deepest sympathy to his family.
Cindy and Brandon:
There are no words to convey how terribly sorry I am at this great loss. Let me share my favorite memory of my life long friend… In the thick of my divorce in 2012 when I was lost and devastated, I wondered aimlessly into Wegman’s, and literally ran into Roger. He smiled his huge smile and picked me up off the ground in a Roger bear hug. I may have never needed a hug more. He was one of the kindest, gentlest and most selfless men I have ever known. So proud to call him my friend. Sending prayers and love to you both during this tragic time.
We offer our deepest sympathy as we remember Roger, a devoted husband, father, and family member. We will always remember his mild manner and loving personality.
Please accept our condolences and may care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead.
Bob & Carolyn Czarnecki
That picture captures how I will always remember Roger – in his Bulldog gear, at a game, helping kids, and giving back to the community. He will be missed by so many. My sincere condolences to Cindy, Brandon, and all of Roger’s family and friends.
My heart is breaking for Rogers Family! Way to young. Hugs to all of you! Fly with the angels Roger.
Cindy, Family, and Friends
My condolences and prayers to you all for Roger’s loss.
When I saw Roger at Wegmans he’d always greet me with a smile.
We don’t know when our allotted time on earth is up and God calls
our spirit to leave, but those many people who met Roger grew
by knowing him. We know that those in the Lord never die, but
return to Him as He is the giver of life and its never “Good-bye”,
but “See you later.” May our Lord’s love grant you all peace through
this time.
Wayne , Joanne , Cindy and family my condolences to you all on the pasting of Rodger. My God guide you through this difficult time.