John H. Sembly

John H. Sembly of Baltimore, Maryland died Sunday, March, 6, 2016 at Greater Baltimore Medical Center of respiratory failure at the age of 95. Born in Annapolis, Maryland, February 5, 1921 to John and Harriet Sembly, John Jr., Big Boy/Uncle Big as he was affectionately known graduated from Bates High School in 1937 where he played football and was on the varsity “Coo” all team. After graduation John Jr. went on to attend Howard University in Washington, DC on a football scholarship. He spent 3 years at Howard University. John Jr. left Howard university in 1941 and returned home to Annapolis to help family. In 1941 he enrolled in a Vocational Arts program at Hampton Institute in Hampton, VA. There he studied Acetylene Welding, a National Defense Course. Drafted in 1943 John Jr. joined the Army. After basic training he was assigned to Motor Transportation and served in the European theater. Before his discharge from the Army in June 1946 John Jr. had achieved the rank of First Sergeant. After discharge, First Sergeant Sembly returned home to work various jobs. In 1950 John Jr. answered the call to duty once again and re-joined the army as a Sergeant and served for a year during the Korean conflict. After serving his country John Jr. moved to Baltimore where he taught elementary school, delivered newspapers and ultimately joined the US Postal Service where he had a full career as a letter carrier and later as a route examiner. He retired from the Postal Service in the mid 80’s. After leaving the Postal Service he went back to work at Saint Agnes Hospital working in Security and then spent many years as the hospital’s lead audio/visual tech for conferences and other events held by the hospital. In 2000 he retired from Saint Agnes Hospital after approximately 14 years of service. During his time in Baltimore John Jr. joined Douglas Memorial Community Church where he was an active member for many years. He was a faithful member of the full choir, a member of the men’s choir and a member of the Baltimore Singers. He loved singing. As an active member of Douglas Church he was an avid supporter of Camp Farthest Out. He served his community through his church and personally by helping those in need that he met along the way. John Jr. was a gentle giant, kind loving, and always adhering to “Love Your Neighbor”. He was guided by his strong faith and love of God. He always looked for the good in others. John Jr. was very accomplished at playing the piano. He was self taught and could play just about any song by ear. His playing entertained many friends and family at gatherings and parties. John Jr. was an avid sports fan and loved playing football and baseball. He played softball in a league for several years. He also enjoyed watching a variety of professional sports. During his life in Baltimore he was an active member of the Hiram Grand Lodge Masons. John Jr., is survived by his daughter Barbara Shipp and her daughters Valerie Robinson and Gail Anderson; son Byron “Tony” Sembly (Jahnita) and their son Jonathan Trevor and daughter Dulcia Brown; Niece Harriett “Love Bug” Edmonson; Nephew George “Pat” Barfield (Sara); Nephews: Joe “Bing” Brown Sr., (Normine), Harold “Boo” Brown (Sally);George “Chicky” Johnson; Brian Johnson (Sandra);Nieces: Gloria Brown (Larry); Yvonne Brown; Ernestine Cottman; Gazella “Lynn “Coates; Jennifer Johnson; and Karen Johnson. A host of great – nieces, nephews and cousins near and far.

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John H. Sembly

February 5, 1921 - March 6, 2016