BLACK RIVER, NY — Michael S. Semrau, 76, Black River, NY, passed away August 23, 2021, at Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown, following a long illness.
Born March 28, 1945, in Franklin, Pennsylvania, a son of Frank & Geraldine (Tibbens) Semrau, he graduated in 1963 from Franklin High School and then entered the US Air Force.
While stationed at Fort Drum, he met Carol L. Ambrose and they were wed on July 8, 1967.
After being honorably discharged from his military service, they chose to remain in Black River to raise their family.
He started his career with the phone company as a lineman and retired from Verizon in Jan of 2000, as a central switch operator.
He was a member of the Black River Fire Department for 54 years, a member of the Black River American Legion and Black River VFW. He also served on the Black River Village Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals. He was a Vietnam War veteran.
He often could be found puttering in his garage or working in his woodshop. He enjoyed NASCAR and watching the New York Yankees. Mike was Citizen of Year in Black River in 2008.
Among his survivors are his wife of 54 years, Carol Semrau a resident at Samaritan Summit Village; three children, Amy (Glenn) Brownell, Mike Semrau II and Jeff Semrauall, Black River; a grandson, Levi Brownell, Great Bend; a sister, Patricia Holloway, Middleboro, Mass.; a brother, Christopher Semrau, Franklin, PA; several nieces, nephews; and his God daughter, Gretchen Ponte, Middleboro, Mass.
Arrangements are with the Bruce Funeral Home, Black River.
Per his wishes there will be no services. There will be a private burial for the family.
A Celebration of Life will be held for friends and family at noon Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, at the Black River American Legion.
Donations can be made to the Black River Fire Dept., PO Box 95, Black River, NY 13612.
Family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all the staff on 5Pratt at Samaritan Medical Center for the compassion and care shown to our father during the past year.
Online condolences may be made at www.brucefh.com.