Obituary of Walter J. Semon

Walter J. Semon, age 89, died Thursday, June 25, 2015 at St. Vincent's Nursing Home, Cedar Grove. Mr. Semon was born April 22, 1926 in Westville, IL the son of the late John and the late Julia Semon. He served in the US Navy during World War II. Walter lived in Clifton and was a parishioner and daily communicant at St. Andrew the Apostle R.C. Church. Mr. Semon was a Physical Education and Health teacher and football coach at Clifton High School. "Coach", as he was affectionately called, was a gifted athlete lettering in 3 varsity sports for 3 years while attending Clifton High School. His real talent however was football where he was known as "Semon the Demon". Walter earned a scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania where he won all-ivy league awards for his football achievements. He played varsity football his freshman and part of his sophomore year, scoring a total of 10 touchdowns – 8 running and two on punt returns. Unfortunately his career was short circuited by a devastating knee injury in the sixth game of his sophomore year. Back in the day there was no easy fix for a torn ACL. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania he returned to his home town of Clifton where he taught P.E. and Health. He coached the Clifton Mustangs with such great coaches as Joe Greco, Bill Vander Closter and Emile Chaky. Those were the years when Clifton fielded powerhouse football teams often winning numerous state championships. Mr. Semon is survived by his beloved children, his daughter Kim and her husband Robert Kopack, and his son Mark; his loving granddaughter Kerry and her husband John Kertesz; his devoted grandson Brian and his wife Stefanie Kopack; and his cherished great-granddaughter Jasa Kopack. His beautiful wife Harriet predeceased him in 2009. Walter's life will be celebrated at memorial Mass on Thursday, July 16, 2015 at 4 PM at St. Andrew the Apostle RC Church, 400 Mt. Prospect Ave, Clifton.