Staff Sergeant John J. Semsey
December 24, 1908 – April 6, 1945
John J. Semsey
John J. Semsey was born on December 24, 1908, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Alex Semsey, a Czechoslovakian immigrant who arrived in the United States in 1900, and Anna Semsey-Vojtko, who immigrated in 1904. The Semsey family resided in the 38th Ward of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
John was one of six children, with three brothers—Michael, Joseph, and Stephen—and two sisters, Anna and Mary. Raised in a hardworking immigrant family, John entered the workforce at a young age and held a job as a laborer at the Nabisco Company in Philadelphia.
On June 22, 1940, John married Sophia Gregory Chomentowska, also a native of Philadelphia.
With the onset of World War II, John answered his country’s call to service. He enlisted in the United States Army on May 27, 1942, and was assigned Service Number 33315116. Rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant, John served with distinction in the 310th Infantry Regiment of the 78th Infantry Division
Patch of the 78th Infantry Division.
John married Sophia Gregory Chomentowska on June 22, 1940.
Sophia Gregory Semsey-Chomentowska
Sophia Gregory was born on July 10, 1911, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. During World War II, inspired by patriotism and service, she enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps (W.A.C.) on October 12, 1944, with Service Number A-319538. Sophia served with dedication until her discharge on June 20, 1947.
John Semsey’s news article in the local newspaper.
Staff Sergeant Semsey was killed in action during combat operations in Kirchen, Germany, on the morning of April 6, 1945. Initially reported missing in action, he was later confirmed to have died from a fatal shrapnel wound to the chest. His sacrifice came just one month before the end of the war in Europe.
John J. Semsey is interred with honor at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten, where he lies in Plot I, Row 14, Grave 2.
After the loss of her husband, Staff Sergeant John Semsey, Sophia eventually remarried. She became Sophia Semsey-Urites and settled in Winter Garden, Florida, with her second husband, Ronald Urites.
A devout Catholic, Sophia was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church in Winter Garden. In 1961, when the church established St. Andrew Catholic School, Sophia sponsored a flagpole and memorial plaque in honor of her first husband, Staff Sergeant John J. Semsey. The memorial stands as a lasting tribute to his service and sacrifice.
Sophia passed away on February 1, 1985. Her legacy of devotion, both in military service and community commitment, endures through the memorial she helped establish.
Flagpole memorial@ St. Andrew’s Catholic School
At the dedication ceremony of the flagpole memorial at St. Andrew Catholic School, family, and friends gathered to honor the memory of John J. Semsey. Among those present were Eric Wilhelmson (Sophia’s nephew), Curt Myhre (a member of the school’s men’s club), and Ralph, along with his parents, John and Resie.
Their presence and remembrance ensure that the story of John and Sophia Semsey—marked by love, service, sacrifice, and resilience—continues to be shared with future generations.
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