Raphael Semmes III
August 17 1943- December 31, 2020
On Thursday, December 31 2020, Raphael Semmes III, formerly of Springfield, VA, beloved husband of Natalia and father of Natalie, Raphael, Randolph and Jenny (Maher.) He is survived by his grandchildren Morgan, Raphael, Robert, Rebecca, Kadin, Luke and Andrew and his brother Jim (Margie.)
Always a kind listener, Skip had a profound love of history and geography. No family outing would be complete without a game of trivia. He showed his family the world and taught his children patience and most of all to love every second of life, even when it is difficult.
Born in Cohasset, Massachusetts, Skip graduated high school in Las Vegas and after earning his Masters joined the Peace Corps. It was while stationed in Colombia that he met his future wife Natalia, sweeping her off her feet to join him on his global adventure and quest to help those in need. Together with their five children they lived in more than half a dozen different countries before eventually retiring in Virginia.
He was preceded in death by his parents Captain Raphael and Juanita Semmes of El Centro, CA and his son Patrick Robert Semmes.
We will forever remember and adore you.
01/13/2021
12:00pm - 1:00pm
I met Raphael while attending a summer course at the University of Maryland in 1964. He was a very kind and humble person. Every now and then I think of that time and his genuineness and friendship however fleeting our acquaintance making him an angel unawares. Peace.
We know this must be a very difficult and demanding time for you all. May the God of comfort help to ease the pain of your grief. With caring thoughts.
We wanted to share our condolences with the family.
It’s never easy saying goodbye to a love. The pain of loss
can be unbearable. Our creator promises that one day this
pain will be a memory Thinking of you all,