Robert Kempe Obituary

Kempe, Robert F. New York, N.Y. Robert F. Kempe, age 43, of New York, N.Y., died on October 16, 2012. Robert is survived by his wife, Barbara Hauley Kempe, originally of Kinderhook, N.Y.; daughters, Maeve Onis, age nine and Saoirse "Sisi" Margaret, age eight. He is also survived in the Albany area by his parents-in-law, Raymond and Ellen "Nan" Hauley of Kinderhook; as well as sisters-in-law, Susan Callaghan (Joshua), Margaret and Rachel. Memorials preferred to The Robert Kempe Trust at 82 Rutgers Slip Apt. 22H, New York, N.Y. 10002 for the exclusive benefit of Robert's daughters.

Published by Albany Times Union on Oct. 24, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
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Thinking of my dear friend Robert´s beloved daughters today. I hope they remember how deeply their father loved them. His wife and children truly were the joys of his life.

Stacy Spinavaria Black

Work

October 11, 2021

I'm shocked to find out that Robert has passed away. I worked with him at Penguin and he was always funny, kind, interesting, and interested in his work. I would run into him from time to time in the subway, or at the Book Expo of America convention, and he always spoke with great joy about his wife and children. The world has lost one of the truly sweet people out there, and even though I didn't know his family, my thoughts and prayers are with them. They have a big void to fill in their lives.

Doug Grad

August 14, 2013

I am shocked and dismayed at the news of Robert's passing. We worked together at Scribner/S&S and enjoyed many Carmine's Caesar salads during those days, dishing about our coworkers and authors. Since then, we enjoyed countless Scrabble games online. I only learned of his passing when I looked for him on my Facebook and couldn't find him, then decided to google him in search of an email address to contact him. In recent years, it was clear that his wife and daughters were the lights of his life. My deepest condolensces to his family. Such a great loss for all who knew him.

Stacy Spinavaria Black

January 18, 2013

We just heard of Robert's passing and are so saddened by the news. We enjoyed many fun memories together, going to happy hour, karaoke, BBQ, and had fun at his Oscar parties. We will miss Robert.

MaryAnn and Reid Wilson

December 31, 2012

We are all deeply shocked to hear of the sudden death of Robert, and we would like to offer our deepest sympathy from all the corners of Japan.
We miss your insight, thoughtfulness and your great sweet smile. Please rest in peace, Robert!

Tak Kubodera

November 21, 2012

I met Robert just once, but I know that he was the love of Barbara's life. I remember her looking at him and saying "He is perfect". I am so sorry to hear of his death. I hope that all of you will soon find peace with your loss.

Judi Lloyd

October 28, 2012

So sorry for your loss, our prayers are with all of you.

Pauline and Jerry Rock

October 27, 2012

I'm so sorry to learn about Bob. He was someone I greatly admired in our time at Cretin--razor sharp wit (always used with a sense of justice!), so generous, and so strong in spirit.

My thoughts and prayers go out to to his family. He will be missed.

John McGuigan

October 26, 2012

Words cannot express our feelings for your loss. May you find comfort in God's love.

Jerry & lPat Glisky

October 26, 2012

John,Jeanne and kids,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother/uncle. May the lord comfort you all in this time of sadness. You are all in my thoughts and prayer!

Jennifer Gleb

October 26, 2012

I have known Bob since I was 15 years old and we were both students at Cretin High School.

My sympathies go out to his wife, his daughters, his entire family, and everyone who knew him. He will not be forgotten.

As for me, there are many things that I could say about Bob Kempe, but they can all be reduced down to the fact that I loved him like a brother and I will miss him every single day for the rest of my life.

David Skoglund

October 25, 2012

Paul, deepest sympathies to your family during this most difficult time.

Tammy Jensen & Family

October 25, 2012

my deepest sympathy to the entire kempe family.bob will be missed.sorry to hear of your loss. julie,lorenzo dorman

October 25, 2012

Paul and Mark:

With each memory we meet again
With those we love…..
For the heart never forgets,
Someone so special ----
Can never be forgotten
May you find comfort in the memories that are yours to cherish always,
And strength in the companionship of those who share your loss. You are held in gentle thought and prayer.

Linda Tomasino

October 24, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss.

Chris (Julkowski) Brazelton

October 24, 2012

Mark, Gina and the rest of the Kempe family. My thoughts and prayers to all of you during this difficult time. I know what it's like to lose s sibling so young. It's hard, it sucks, and you have memories that will keep him with you forever. Hugs.

Alison Forester

October 24, 2012

Arlene and Ray and family-Sorry for your loss. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOURS LOVE MARY ANN RASMUSSEN

October 23, 2012

Ray and family, so sorry to learn about your loss. Our deepest sympathies and prayers for all the family.

Tom King

October 23, 2012

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Bobbie. My mother and I always looked forward to the days when Aunt Arlene would drop Bobbie off as a tot and we were able to take care of him. What a little character. He was a real joy to have around.
My deepest sympathy to the family.
Annette Kempe

October 20, 2012

Robert was so supportive of me and my company in the early years when we were starting out. He had such a warm spirit about him and went out of his way to be helpful. I had not seen him in years, but still can remember his smile. And him showing me photos of his older daughter. What a huge huge loss! My sincere sympathy to his entire family.

Carol Fitzgerald

October 19, 2012

I am so deeply sorry for the loss of Robert Kempe. He was a real kind and genuine individual, a loving husband, a witty friend and a wonderful father. I had the honor of attending his wedding and seeing him grow into a family man. My heart goes out to Barbara and the girls, this is a major loss but I am certain Kempe remains eternal in the hearts and minds of family and friends. I am utterly sad for his passing.

diana zavala

October 19, 2012

I worked with Robert for a while in the canyons of NYC's publishing world, and would run into him from time to time afterward. And whenever we'd meet, I'd be impressed all over again at his fundamental kindness, his wit, his charm, and his enviable approach to life--joyous, with just a bit of edge. All my thoughts are with his family at this awful time.

Ali Kokmen

October 19, 2012

I saw Robert early October at the Midwest Booksellers convention, working tirelessly in the face of his illness. He was so optimistic and energetic. His lively spirit will be greatly missed.

Sue Ostfield

October 19, 2012

Ray and Arlene: Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of your son Robert. I know how difficult it is losing a child.
Tom Ridley
St. Paul

October 19, 2012

Ray, Arlene and Family, I'm so very sorry to hear of Bob's passing. My deepest sympathy to the intire Kempe Family.

Mary Kempe

October 19, 2012

Ray,Arlene and Family. I'm so very sorry to hear of Bob's passing. My deepest sympathy go out to all his Family.

October 19, 2012

I can still see Bobby running downstairs as "Baby New Year" (in a diaper)at his brother Mark's New Year's Eve parties. This is the picture that I will carry with me. My prayers to the Kempe family.

Bobbie Young

October 18, 2012

We used to live across the street from Bob when he was a child and he played with our son Jeff. He was such a delight to have around. We enjoyed his wit, even at a very young age. Bob was a unique, special person. Our sympathy to the entire Kempe family. There is now a witty angel in heaven adding a real spark to things there!

Marge & Tom Ryerson

October 18, 2012

My deepest sympathy to the Kempe family. I am so very sorry about your lost. There will be another angel going back home to heaven. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. May you find peace in the happier memories left behind to comfort you.

Peggy Lund

October 18, 2012

When Bob's family's beloved babysitter moved to Seattle, where I live, he sent me a lovely note encouraging me to hire her. When I was pitching a book in the NYC publishing world, he sent me encouragement based on his own real-world experience there. That was Bob's way -- one he knew you, he wanted to help you, and connect people and businesses he liked with other people and businesses he liked. I spoke to him just 6 weeks ago about a possible writing project and I cannot believe we will never speak again. He was consistently nice and smart and funny, your prototypical
Minnesotan, making it work in NYC publishing and taking the real
Minnesota Nice, not the passive-aggressive stereotype, along into
Manhattan with him. Much love to his beloved family.

Gael Cooper

October 18, 2012

So sad to hear about Bob's passing. My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Peter Grayson

October 18, 2012

My condolences to all the Kempe family. Mark, Paul, John and I were classmates at Cretin and I remember Bob as a continuously smiling "Little Brother" who obviously adored his brothers and Mom and Dad
very much. I pray your aching will ease, and send you all our prayers.

October 18, 2012

This is sad news. I remember Bob Kempe as a whip smart and witty person. My prayers are with his family.

George Cherucheril

October 18, 2012

Such a loss of a wonderful, sweet man! Praying for the family and all who knew him. Bobby is resting in the arms of Jesus.

John Lundquist

October 18, 2012

What a loss. So glad I got a chance to visit with him at the Heartland show in Minneapolis. A rare and gentle man.

Rick Monteith

October 18, 2012

In addition to being friends at Cretin, Bob and I were roommates in our freshman year at Marquette University. I will always remember how he scheduled his classes around Days of Our Lives and Santa Barbara (and even got me watching them for that year). Although we lost touch with each other after college, we reconnected on FB and exchanged emails on politics and other topics - I'm glad that we were able to continue our friendship in that way. Bob was a kind, smart, and funny man, and my thoughts are with his wife and children in this difficult time.

Although I'm not the most diligent photo taker, I've included a picture of Bob in the 1987 Godspell production at CDH - one of our shared memories as friends.

Matt Filla

October 18, 2012

I will always remember Bob's kind nature to everyone. You will be missed by many.

Rick Gallatin

October 18, 2012

A gift to the world. Smart, funny, cynical and bighearted - a New Yorker in the very best sense. A loving husband and father and a true friend.

Liz Tracy

October 18, 2012

Bob - You always had the greatest sense of humor and an amazing wit. You never ran away from a good debate and even if we disagreed I had to respect your passion and great intelligence. You'll be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family

Keri Becker

October 17, 2012

What a sad thing to have had happen. Bob was a thoughtful, kind, and funny man. My thoughts are with his family during this time of loss.

David Baxter

October 17, 2012

It's hard to write this note. What a great loss. My heart goes out to Bob, his great family and friends. I'm so sorry for your loss. With great sympathy for this wonderful young man.

October 17, 2012

The world has lost a true charactor! Bob paid me the greatest compliment anyone has ever shared with me. It confirmed my approach to life was true, thank you again for the candid gesture and confirmation. I will continue to pay such a gift forward to others.

Charlie Gruber

October 17, 2012

A gentle man with a quick wit. You will always be rememberd.

Al Kolman-Stich

October 17, 2012

I will always cherish the great times and friendship that Bob and I shared growing up. Bob had a wonderful sense of humor and a kind heart. I will miss you my friend.

Clancy Finnegan

October 17, 2012

Bob was very kind. He will be missed by many.

ed behr

October 17, 2012

I am so shocked and saddened at the news. My heart goes out to his family and closest friends. He was always a clever fellow with a dry wit, who could bring smiles to many faces, including mine. I have fond memories of him, playing cards with friends.

Chris Johnson

October 17, 2012

Robert, I recall our conversations about music, the arts and politics with fondness. We will miss your kind heart and passion about life. You made the world a better place, and I am fortunate to have known you. May your great spirit remain with us, good fortune shine upon your family, and rest in peace.

Michael Hayes

October 17, 2012

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