Richard C. Sementkowski

Richard Casimer Sementkowski was born on Friday, September 13, 1935 in Romulus, MI; the only son of Theresa and Casimer Sementkowski. He was a loving son, and brother to 6 sisters. Growing up outside of Detroit in the 1940s, Richard had many wild stories to share about his childhood. Like the time he and some friends hitchhiked upstate and took a canoe out on the lake where they nearly capsized and drowned. Or the time when he hopped on a train and ended up in downtown Detroit before he knew it. His father was less than pleased to have to go downtown to fetch him. Richard had an eventful childhood. He harvested raven eggs and would raise them as babies to train them. He would sneak out of his house at night and climb to the top of a stack of old cars in the nearby junkyard to sit in the top car looking out at the night sky. From a young age he did odd jobs, had a newspaper route, and worked in the local grocery store in Romulus. Later he continued to help his mother support the family after his father died of a heart attack while Richard was in the army.

Richard joined the army at 17 (having lied about his age) with another friend. He was eventually stationed in Columbus, GA where he met Ruth Dunn. Richard and Ruth were married in Columbus and later, in the Catholic Church, once they settled in Thomasville.

Richard came to Thomasville with his wife and stepdaughter to be a civil engineer, but was soon promoted to head of the Sanitation Dept. Later, he was promoted to Superintendent of the Water Treatment plant. In the late 1980s, Richard was instrumental in transitioning the city from an antiquated 1930s era water treatment system to the current system in use today.

Richard was an active member of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Thomasville for many years, including being President of the Knights of Columbus. After retirement he enjoyed helping the ladies of the Women's Auxiliary prepare for the annual fall rummage sale.

Richard was a devoted husband to Ruth Sementkowski, who left this earth in May of 2000. He is greatly missed by many friends and family, including Heather Donovan, his stepdaughter Amanda Ann, his granddaughter Pam, and his grandson Ben. Additionally, he is survived by two great grandchildren, Jack and William, who have many fond memories of his silly antics and wild stories.

A graveside service will be held Friday, 10/28 at 10:00 AM at Laurel Hills Cemetery.