Richard Semel made his final transition on the morning of Sunday, August 4, 2024. Richard grew up in the Highland Park section of Upper Darby, PA and spent most of his later years residing in South Jersey and his final days with his daughter, Dana, in West Chester, PA.

Richard is survived by his older sister, Fran (Heller), his children; Laura, Dana and David Semel (Carolyn) and his four grandchildren: Noah, Cole, Alex and Connor Semel.

Nothing was more important to Richard than the happiness of his children. His family was the most important thing in his life and he did what he was able to give support and make them smile or laugh (or groan) with his jokes.

Richard had a 40-year career in the auto business, first as a salesman selling Studebakers in Havertown, PA and ultimately,  at the height of his career, as a partner in a Mazda dealer in Princeton, NJ, that for a time was one of top Mazda dealerships in the country. He loved his job and took pride in treating his customers with honesty and integrity.

Next to his children, Richard's greatest joy was watching his beloved Phillies and playing hardball and softball well into his 70's, even attending Phillies Dream Week in 1994. He passed his love of all Philadelphia sports teams on to his children and grandchildren. Baseball was his true love and he would have a catch with anyone, anytime, anywhere.

Richard was a jazz afficionado who loved the music of his generation.  This passion inevitably influenced many that were close to him.   He enjoyed jamming along with trumpet players like Maynard Ferguson and Miles Davis. He would also be heard crooning along with Frank Sinatra, another of his favorites.

Richard always said he did not want a funeral service because he wasn't a "mourning person".  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Alzheimer's Association.