Raphael Semmes ’44

"Rock" Semmes died July 6, 2007, of kidney cancer in his home in Chevy Chase, Md. He was 86. Only six weeks earlier he was enjoying two sets of tennis a week and a round of golf on weekends.

He prepared at St. Alban's and Exeter. At Princeton, he majored in political science; was active in freshman and 150-pound football, track, and gymnastics; and was a member of the Madison and Whig-Clio debating societies and Cap and Gown Club. His roommates included Tom Shand, Mal Hallett, Karl Harr, and Ham Carothers.

He earned an accelerated bachelor's degree in 1943 and was commissioned into the field artillery, in which he served three years, including combat in Europe. He earned his law degree at the University of Maryland and headed a law office on patents and trademarks in Washington. Rock was our class vice president from 1952 to 1956. He was active in Princeton regional affairs, and was a member of Washington's Metropolitan Club and Chevy Chase Club.

Rock is survived by Carmel, his wife of 61 years; daughters Alexandra Hansen and Andrea Faller; sons Raphael "Rocky" Jr. '79 and K.W. "Bill"; brothers Harry H., J. Gibson, and David H.; and seven grandchildren. Our condolences go to all. We'll miss him.