Obituary of Gary Semenza

Gary T. Semenza, (80) of Santa Barbara, California passed away on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 with his beloved wife of 52 years by his side. He was born in Providence, Rhode Island on November 2, 1942 to Italo and Ida Semenza. He had resided in Santa Barbara since 1946.

Gary partly grew up in the home of Orel and Betty Switzer, his second family, along with their three children, Philip, Susan and Laurel. He graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1960 and joined the Navy shortly thereafter. Upon his release from active duty, he began a career in construction as a drywall taper and worked in the industry for 41 years.

In January 1971, Gary married the love of his life, Judy (Johnston) Farrall, and together they blended their family of four sons and a daughter from their previous marriages. The kids’ fondest memories were of the camping trips to the Sierras where Gary would participate in the Mammoth Mountain Motocross. Motorcycle racing quickly became a passion of his and he and the family spent many weekends going to races. He was a member of the Santa Barbara Starters Motorcycle Club as well as the Over-the-Hill-Gang.

Gary had a love for NASCAR and rarely missed watching a race on television. On his 60th birthday, he
fulfilled a lifelong dream when he drove an official NASCAR at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway with his family cheering him on.

He enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing in Mexico or the Eastern Sierras. His many years of hunting was spent in Idaho, an annual trip that he looked forward to every fall with his faithful Belgian Sheepdog by his side.

Gary is survived by his wife, Judy, children, Gary S. Semenza (Patty), Gary Farrall, Orel Semenza (Carla), Heidi Semenza (Chris Burlew), and John Semenza (Lyn), 12 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother; brother Daniel Semenza; half brothers Edward Lopez and George Lopez.

May the memories of Gary that mean the most to you live forever in your heart.

A private celebration of life was held by the family.