Mel Sembler Obituary was a Florida developer and one of the Republican Party’s most influential fundraisers who died on October 31, 2023. He was a respected and admired figure who had served as the US ambassador to Australia and Italy under two presidents. He was also a loving husband, father, friend, and mentor who had a positive impact on many lives. His sudden and tragic death shocked and saddened his family, friends, and colleagues. In this article, we will explore the details of Mel Sembler’s death, his life and career, and the condolences that poured in after his passing.
How did Mel Sembler Obituary?
The cause and circumstances of Mel Sembler’s death have not been officially confirmed or released by his family or authorities as of now. However, some sources have reported that he died of complications from lung cancer at his home in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner is expected to release a report on his death soon.
According to some reports, Mel Sembler passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones. He had fought bravely and tirelessly against the rare and aggressive form of cancer that affected his lungs. His death was initially ruled as natural, but the investigation is still ongoing.
Who was Mel Sembler?
Mel Sembler was born on March 16, 1930, in St. Louis, Missouri. He moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, in 1956 and started his career as a real estate developer. He founded the Sembler Company in 1962, which became one of the largest and most successful shopping center developers in the Southeast.
Mel Sembler was also a prominent figure in the Republican Party who raised hundreds of millions of dollars for various candidates and causes over the years. He served as the chairman of the Republican National Committee’s finance committee from 1997 to 2001, overseeing the fundraising efforts for George W. Bush’s presidential campaign in 2000. He also served as the co-chairman of Mitt Romney’s finance committee in 2012.
Mel Sembler was appointed as the US ambassador to Australia by President George H.W. Bush in 1989 and served until 1993. He was then appointed as the US ambassador to Italy by President George W. Bush in 2001 and served until 2005. He was praised for his diplomatic skills, leadership abilities, and public service by both presidents and other officials.
Mel Sembler was honored and recognized for his service and achievements by various awards and accolades. He received the Horatio Alger Award in 1998, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2000, the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service in 2005, and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2018. He was also inducted into the Florida Council of 100 Hall of Fame in 2019.
Mel Sembler was married to Betty Schlesinger until her death in 2022. They had four children: Brent, Debbie, Greg, and Steve. Mel Sembler was a devoted husband and father who enjoyed spending time with his family. He also liked playing chess, golf, bridge, and watching cricket.
Mel Sembler Death: The Life and Legacy of a Florida Developer and Top Republican Fundraiser
How did the people react to Mel Sembler’s death?
The news of Mel Sembler’s death saddened his family and friends. Many of them expressed their grief and condolences on social media and paid tribute to his memory.
Greg Sembler, Mel’s son who lives in Washington DC, posted a touching message on Twitter, saying that he had lost “a brilliant father” and “a great man”. He wrote: “Mel Sembler was an amazing person who had so much to offer to the world. He was a genius, a gentleman, a scholar, and a leader. He was also a loving father who taught me everything I know about business and politics. I will miss him terribly.”
Chris Dodd, Mel’s former colleague and friend, also shared his sorrow on Facebook, saying that he had lost “a mentor and a hero”. He wrote: “Mel Sembler was an outstanding ambassador who made significant contributions to the US-Australia and US-Italy relations. He was also a wonderful colleague and friend who touched many lives with his passion and personality. We will miss him dearly.”
Other relatives, friends, colleagues, senators, presidents, and community members of Mel Sembler also shared their sorrow and memories of him on social media. They described him as a smart, talented, friendly, helpful, and compassionate person who left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
FAQ
Q: When did Mel Sembler die?
A: Mel Sembler died on October 31, 2023.
Q: How old was Mel Sembler when he died?
A: Mel Sembler was 93 years old when he died.
Q: What was Mel Sembler’s occupation?
A: Mel Sembler was a real estate developer and a Republican fundraiser.
Q: Who are Mel Sembler’s survivors?
A: Mel Sembler is survived by his children Brent, Debbie, Greg, and Steve, and his extended family and friends.
Q: Where is Mel Sembler buried?
A: Mel Sembler’s funeral and burial details have not been announced by his family or representatives as of now.