Joseph F. Dempsey

Joseph F. Dempsey

Joseph F. Dempsey, a proud Veteran of the United States Army, passed away on October 11, 2023, at the age of 81.

Joseph was born to Agnes Gearon and John Dempsey on March 12, 1942, in Somerville, MA. He attended Somerville High School and enlisted in the United States Army. He valued his service highly and attained the rank of 1st Sergeant before retiring with an honorable discharge on October 31, 1983. He served in the Vietnam War, and in Korea as part of his service. He was awarded numerous honors, including the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Joseph returned east after retiring from the Army. He was reintroduced to Mary, where their love story began, and they were married on January 4, 1990. They settled down in Salem, New Hampshire. Joseph worked at Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant until his retirement due to medical reasons related to his service in the Army.

Joseph and Mary enjoyed going to the Cape before buying a second home in Florida, where they would spend the winter months. Joseph's passions were fishing and spending time with his dog, family, and friends.

Joseph was preceded in death by his wife, Mary. Joseph is survived by his children Elizabeth and her husband Daniel Kinsella, Kingston, NH; Edward and his wife Angela Peters, Tewksbury, MA; his grandchildren Shannon Kinsella, Erin Kinsella, Daniel Kinsella, Ryan Peters, and Brandon Peters, and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours on Monday, October 16, 2023, from 10am-12pm followed by a service from 12pm to 12:30pm at the Goundrey Dewhirst Funeral Home, 42 Main Street Salem, NH 03079.  Please visit www.goundreydewhirstfuneral.com for directions or to sign the online guest book.

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