Man remembered for dedication to family, military
McClellandtown native Scott A. Semzock, a dedicated family and military man, died from an apparent heart attack last week while serving in the U.S. Air Force in Germany. “He was so dedicated to being the best husband and father he could be,” said his mother, Kathy Martin of McClellandtown. “He was devoted to his job. Everything he did, he did to perfection.”
Semzock, 35, a technical sergeant assigned to Ramstein Air Base, also is survived by his wife, Barbara Kuehne Semzock, and their two sons, Shawn Michael, 10, and Nicholas, 7.
His career in the Air Force began almost 17 years ago after he graduated from Tri-Valley High School, which is now Albert Gallatin Area Senior High School, in 1990.
He met his future wife after he was transferred to Germany in 1993 and the couple married in 1994.
“They had a big wedding there. It was New Year’s Eve in 1994,” said Martin, who attended the ceremony and said she traveled to Germany to visit them as often as she could. Her most recent visit was in July.
The Air Force sent Semzock back to the United States for some time before returning him to Germany in October 2005.
About a year ago, a doctor discovered arterial blockage in an X-ray or MRI that was performed on his back, which he injured years earlier in the military, but told him not to worry about it because of his age, Martin said.
He underwent surgery to repair a ruptured disc in his back, but the military was considering a medical discharge because the condition of his back prevented him from being deployed, she said.
Martin said she believes the possibility of being discharged created a great deal of stress for her son.
She said she tried to tell him he could pursue a career outside of the military, but he loved the Air Force and vowed to pass his deployment test.
“He always said, ‘I’m not in it only during peace time,'” Martin said.
Semzock was a communications project manager assigned to Headquarters U.S. Air Force Europe, Directorate of Intelligence, she said.
His dedication to duty did not quell his support for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins.
“He stayed up late to watch the Steelers and the Penguins. He and I had a bet about the Pens staying in town,” Martin said.
Semzock also is survived by his sister, Kari Radzansky, who lives in Lancaster with her husband, Andrew Radzansky, and their two sons.
“I could never ask for a better son,” Martin said. “He never gave me anything but joy.”
The Paul G. Fink Funeral Home in Connellsville is handling funeral arrangements.