Daniel S. Dempsey Sr.

1922 - 2012

COLDENHAM - Daniel S. Dempsey Sr. of Coldenham, and resident of Goshen 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.
Dan was born on April 26, 1922, in Bolivar, 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 from 1943 to 1946, primarily stationed in Oahu, Hawaii. In 1947, Dan married M. Patricia Anger of Friendship.
Upon returning to Bolivar after the war, Dan went into the boiler repair business with his father and his brother, Joe. In 1954, they purchased land for a new branch of the business in Coldenham. 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 children. In 1955, Dan moved his family to Coldenham and the new branch of the pipe business officially opened.
Over the next 40 years, Dan and Pat raised their six children and built up their business together. They purchased the Coldenham branch outright in 1966, and its name was changed to Dempsey Steel Pipe. In 1970, their son, Dan. Jr., joined the business.
Dan was best known by those close to him for two loves: his wife Pat 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 never lost his admiration for the music of John Philip Sousa. For the past 35 years, Dan and Pat were devoted fans of Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra. They enjoyed the outstanding music, polka dancing, traveling widely with the band, and the company of their dear friends Jimmy and Barbara.
Dan was an avid bowler and enjoyed his membership on the Newburgh Knights of Columbus team. He and Pat danced regularly at the Elks lodges in Wellsville and Middletown for many years. Dan was a life-member of the Elks Lodge 1097 in Middletown and a life-member of Osborn-Fitzsimmons American Legion Post 521 in Montgomery.
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.
Dan was a devout Catholic and member of St. Mary's Church in Montgomery for many years. He was also active in local civic affairs throughout his adult life. Dan was the founding president of the East Coldenham Parent Teacher Association, 1960-61, and a 10-year member of the Valley Central School Board of Education. He was a long-time member of the board of directors of the Walden Savings Bank and also served on the Town of Montgomery planning board.
Dan and Pat lived in their home on Maple Avenue, Coldenham for 50 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 Health Care Center in Glen Arden for their kindness to Dan and to all of the family.
Dan is survived by Pat, his wife of 64 years, two sons, Dan Jr. (Judi) of Coldenham and Timothy (AeSim) of Montgomery; four daughters, Keara O'Dempsey of New Paltz, Kathleen D. Redden of Olean, MaryEllen (Douglas) Glorie of Marlboro, Maureen (Louis) Miranda of Gallatin, Tenn.; six grandchildren, Patricia G. Dempsey, Mary Anne Dempsey Enea, Mary Rose Fox, Erin Redden, Molly Redden and Helen P. Dempsey; three step-granddaughters, Linda Parella, 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; lifelong friend, Kenneth Root and 26 nieces and nephews. Dan was Godfather to Maureen Rose Fox and James N. Wild. He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Charles; two sisters, Carolyn Suda and M. Anne Dempsey.
Visitation at 9:30 a.m. and a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Saturday (March 3, 2012) will be held at the Guenther Funeral Home, 51 S. Main St., Portville, followed by burial with full military honors at St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dan's memory are requested to Pioneer Oil Museum, P.O. Box 332, Bolivar, NY 14715; or the Bolivar Free Library, 390 Main St., Bolivar, NY 14715; or to a charity of one's choice.