Donald A. Dempsey

Donald A. Dempsey, 86 KENNEBUNK -- Donald A. Dempsey, 86, of Summer Street, died Friday, March 6, 2009, at his residence. He was born in West Springfield, Mass., on May 22, 1922, the son of Richard H. and Margaret (Davidson) Dempsey. He grew up in Great Barrington, Mass., and graduated from the Berkshire School. He attended Amherst College until the outbreak of World War II, where he honorably served his country in the U.S. Army, and later enrolled in Nichols Business College. In the tradition of his father, Richard who served as president of Rising Paper Company in Housatonic, Mass., Don worked for nearly two decades in all facets of the paper-making business. Don was well-regarded in the industry for his expertise as well as his signature laugh and warm smile. Don married Marilyn Becker in Winnetka, Ill. in 1951, and following a series of moves that included Westport, Conn., Virginia Beach, Va., and Marblehead, Mass., relocated the family to the Kennebunks in the early 1970s. Following his retirement as a consultant to the paper industry in 1998, Don enjoyed playing golf as a member of Cape Arundel Golf Club. He was a devoted caregiver to his wife and cherished his five children and grandchildren above all else. Donald was predeceased by his loving wife, Marilyn in 2002; by his brother Rit; and by his grandson, McKenna James Dempsey in 2008. Survivors include three sons, Peter F. Dempsey of Newton, Mass., Richard P. and Michael R. Dempsey, both of Kennebunk, two daughters, Susan Dempsey Rouillard and Meg Dempsey, both of Kennebunk; 11 grandchildren; a niece and nephew. Calling hours will be on Monday, March 9, 2009, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 10, 2009, at 11 a.m. at Holy Spirit Parish/St. Martha's Church, Kennebunk. Spring interment in Hope Cemetery, Kennebunk. www.bibberfuneral.com. If desired, the family encourages memorial donations in his memory to: The McKenna James Dempsey Cheverus Scholarship Fund Cheverus High School 267 Ocean Ave. Portland, Maine 04103 Donald A. Dempsey