Daniel S. Dempsey, Sr. of Coldenham, NY, a resident of Goshen, NY for the past six years, passed away at Glen Arden, in Goshen, on Monday, Feb. 27, 2012 with his wife and family at his side. He was 89.
Mr. Dempsey was born on April 26, 1922 in Bolivar, NY, the son of Joseph S. Dempsey and R. Agnes Landers Dempsey. He graduated from Bolivar Central School in 1939 and Rider College in 1943. He served as an MP in the U.S. Army during World War II. In 1947, he married M. Patricia Anger of Friendship, NY.
Upon returning to Bolivar after the war, Mr. Dempsey went into the boiler repair business with his father and, subsequently, his brother, Joseph. In 1954, they purchased land for a new branch of the business in Coldenham, NY. Dan spent the first year bringing in equipment and inventory and building a new house located at the rear of the pipe yard. He traveled to western New York only on weekends to be with his wife and family. In 1955 the family moved to Coldenham and a new branch of the pipe business officially opened.
Over the next forty years, Daniel and Patricia raised their six children and built up their business together. In 1966, they purchased the Coldenham branch outright, and its name was changed to Dempsey Steel Pipe. In 1970 their son Daniel Jr. joined his parents' business.
Daniel Sr. was best known by those close to him for two loves: his wife, Patricia and music. Both before and after his retirement in 1997, he and Pat traveled to many parts of the United States, to Europe and to Korea where they visited their son, Tim. Dan played the cornet in the Bolivar High School band and he never lost his admiration for the music of John Philip Sousa. In more recent years, he and Pat became fans of Jimmy Sturr and his orchestra. They enjoyed the music, polka dancing, traveling with the band, and the company of their friends Jimmy and Barbara.
Dan was an avid bowler, and especially enjoyed his membership on the Newburgh Knights of Columbus team. He and Pat danced regularly at the Elks Lodges in Wellsville and Middletown NY for many years. Dan was a Life Member of Elks Lodge 1097 in Middletown, and Life Member of Osborn-Fitzsimmons American Legion Post 521 in Montgomery. He took up golf later in life and achieved a respectable handicap.
Dan earned not only the love and affection but also the respect and admiration of his wife and six children. His children especially enjoyed his inimitable wit and his individual way of looking at the world.
Mr. Dempsey was a devout Catholic, and a member of St. Mary's Church, Montgomery, NY, for many years. He was also active in local civic affairs throughout his adult life. He was the founding president of the East Coldenham Parent-Teachers Association 1960-61; a 10-year member of the Valley Central School Board of Education; Town of Montgomery Planning Board; and a long-time member of the Board of Directors of the Walden Savings Bank.
Daniel and Patricia lived in their home on Maple Avenue, Coldenham, for fifty years. Dan was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1998. Although able to remain somewhat active for the next ten years, he and Pat moved to Glen Arden, Goshen, in 2005 due to his declining health. During the last three very difficult years, Dan set an extraordinary example through the grace and courage with which he accepted his affliction. The family would like to thank the staff at the Health Care Center at Glen Arden for their kindness to Dan and to all of the family.
Daniel is survived by Patricia, his wife of 64 years; two sons, Daniel Jr. (Judi), Coldenham, NY, and Timothy (Ae Sim), Montgomery, NY; and four daughters, Keara O'Dempsey, New Paltz, NY; Kathleen D. Redden, Olean, NY; MaryEllen Glorie (Douglas), Marlboro, NY; and Maureen Miranda (Louis), Gallatin, TN; six granddaughters, Patricia G. Dempsey, Mary Anne Dempsey Enea, Mary Rose Fox, Erin Redden, Molly Redden, and Helen P. Dempsey; three step-granddaughters, Linda Parrella, Jill Vaughn and Jennifer Lister; and two grandsons, Martin Fox and Patrick Fox. He is also survived by two brothers, Joseph and Neil Dempsey; one sister, Deana Dempsey; his lifelong friend, Kenneth Root, and twenty-six nieces and nephews. Dan was godfather to Mary Rose Fox and James N. Wild. He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Charles; two sisters, Carolyn Suda and M. Anne Dempsey.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Millspaugh Funeral Home, 22 Bank St., Walden, NY.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 1 at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 2800 Route 17K, Bullville, NY. Burial will be at Saint Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory are requested to Town of Montgomery Food Pantry, P.O. Box 423, Montgomery, NY or to a charity of one's choice.
For directions or condolences please visit millspaughfuneralhome.com Arrangements were made by Millspaugh Funeral Directors.
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