AJ Sembiante, 72, of Bonita Springs, Fla., passed away Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, in Bonita Springs, Fla. He was loved and respected by everyone he met. AJ was born March 11, 1951, in Greensburg, to parents, Jack and Philomena Sembiante. He was a graduate of Greensburg Salem High School, Class of 1969. He continued his education at the University of Maryland, where he graduated and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education with minors in health and biological sciences. He was a member of Phi Beta Epsilon, an honors program for students with the highest academic achievements in physical education, health and recreation. Playing football at the University of Maryland was, for him, his greatest achievement. His devotion to the University of Maryland Terrapins echoed throughout his life. AJ's love of football began as a 12-year-old on the Greensburg Cathedral Bonecrushers. In high school, he starred as a tight and defensive end and was named on the All-County and All-WPIAL teams. Success continued in college where he played both offense and defense at Staunton Military Academy and Tennessee Tech University, before transferring to the University of Maryland where he concluded his football player days. AJ began his professional career as a teacher at Laurel Valley High School, Ligonier, teaching health and physical education. He proudly coached the girls basketball team before becoming the head football coach of the Ligonier Valley football team. From there, he transferred to Ligonier Valley Middle School where he taught until retirement. AJ retired in 2006, after teaching for 33 years. His love of sports came second only to his love and devotion to family and friends, and ultimately his adoration and love for his wife. With the commencement of his retirement, AJ moved to Florida where he and his wife, built a beautiful life that fulfilled every dream. The community of Herons Glen Golf and Country Club was home for 14 years. He was essential in building the community's fitness center. His volunteer work helping hundreds of residents with their fitness programs and his participation on many tennis leagues built lasting friendships. In 2019, a move was made to the beautiful Community of Valencia Bonita. His warm, deeply engaging interest in everyone he met, had men and women gravitate to him. Whether it was in the fitness center or on the tennis, pickleball or pop tennis courts, he was there to bring joy and laughter. AJ is survived by his spouse, Christine Sembiante, Bonita Springs, Fla.; stepsons, Toby Ketchman, of New York City, N.Y.; Kevin Ketchman (Rachel), of Boston, Mass.; Brother Anthony Sembiante, of Decatur, Ill.; Sister Anna Wimberly, of Irwin; nephew, Dr. James Teet (Alina); niece, Kara Padilla (Andy), of Naples, Fla.; and numerous other nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces, and nephews. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association National Center 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, Texas 75231, donate@heart.org. In lieu of a funeral, a "Celebration of Life" in AJ's honor will be on Friday, April 5, 2024, at The Club at Valencia Bonita Community Social Hall, 16621 Valencia Bonita Blvd., Bonita Springs FL 34135. To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.