OBITUARY: Palm Bay Resident Carl Alan Lunk Passed Away After Battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Carl had a positive spirit and an infectious smile

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — Carl Alan Lunk passed away peacefully at home in Palm Bay, Florida on January 20, 2023, after battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Robert and Joan Sembach (Farrer-Lunk), Carl had a positive spirit and an infectious smile.

He developed lifelong friendships everywhere he went. He had an innate ability to fix anything and was always willing to help others.

Carl spent his early years being self-taught, working in various professions including J.M. Fields Department Store, projectionist for Rt. 130 Drive-In Theater, and Owner/Operator of Carl’s TV Repair Shop.

His latter professions included foreman at TM Vacuum, Cyberkinetics, Northrop Grumman and Kaplan Jewelers in NYC.

In 2005, he accepted a position as Instrument Coordinator for the Physics and Astronomy Department at Rowan University, Glassboro, N.J. remaining there to retire in 2018. Carl’s academic work focused on Atomic and Molecular Physics/Lasers and Solid State/Condensed Matter Physics.

In addition, he repaired highly complex instrument systems for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. He was proud to share his passion for learning with Rowan students.

When providing tours of the lab, he could be compared to a kid in a candy store. He was known for his positive attitude, tenacity, and intuition in solving lab equipment problems.

Carl was defined as very industrious and had skills beyond simply fixing things. He earned Professional of the Month and several Certificates of Recognition from Rowan University for going above and beyond the call of duty; exhibiting terrific student engagement, customer service, and teamwork, exemplifying creative efforts, and for his outstanding scholarship in support of the premier research university.

Many mornings he visited Angelo’s Glassboro Diner.

For his Facebook followers, you may remember his detailed posts of his morning breakfast, followed by a positive daily message. “Don’t worry, be happy.” He had many fond memories of his coffee talk crew.
When he wasn’t working, he spent time with his family and friends.

Even after retirement, he could not just sit still at home. He still took on projects galore. He took an active role in the lives of his children and grandchildren. He was a fun-loving PopPop. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do to make them smile.

His hobbies included fixing everything and anything, traveling, camping, pinball, gemology, visits to Ed’s Funcade, automating his home with every tech advancement, exploring gadgets, and collecting Lottery scratch off tickets. Even in his last few days, he told stories of winning scratch-offs.

He served as a member of the American Legion Post 184 in Wildwood, New Jersey.

After retiring from Rowan University, Carl pursued gemology in Las Vegas, Nevada. He then moved south, settling in sunny Palm Bay, Florida. It was in Palm Bay where he had a new home built, enjoyed dinners with Judy by the ocean side, walks with his pup Mickey, soaking in his new hot tub, and enjoying “just another day in paradise.”

Carl will be forever remembered and loved by many friends and family including his loving wife Judy (Selg); and his children Wendy (Ron) Cornett, Robert (Ashley) Lunk, Rich (Jessyka) Selg, Robert (Mary) Selg. Loving mother figure: Leora (Jackie) Lunk. Forever cherished by his seven grandchildren: Ronnie, Bradley, Mary, Mishele, Zander, Mia, Allison and RJ as well as his 4 great-grandchildren. Siblings and their families; Sandra & Carter Scherff, Debra & Gary Auld, William & Dawn Sembach. His in-laws: Joan & Doug McConney, Robin Kleeman, and Margaret (Tiny) & Greg Dispensa; cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends, including his beloved Shih tzu dog, Mickey.

Carl was predeceased by his father Robert Lunk, his mother Joan Sembach (Farrer-Link) and his son Christopher Carl Lunk.

In lieu of a traditional memorial service, Carl wanted a celebration of life, which will take place early summer down at the Jersey Shore. Details will be posted on social media. In remembrance of Carl’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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