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FRANKLIN KEMP Obituary



KEMP, FRANKLIN W. - born August 16, 1922 in Reading, PA, son of Frances (nee Green) and John Kemp. He lived most of his life in Atlantic City and attended Atlantic City High School. In March 1941 he enlisted in the Marines and served abroad the Battleship, USS New Mexico, in the North Atlantic prior to WW2 on convoy duty between Halifax NS and Great Britain. In 1942 he served in the Pacific through Coral Sea and Midway campaigns and participated in the occupation and defense of Guadalcanal and the Aleution Campaign. He was discharged as Sergeant in October 1945. In June 1958 he enlisted in the US Coast Guard Reserves and was commanding officer of the Coast Guard Unit in Atlantic City. He served as Lieutenant Commander in an all officer unit assigned to the headquarters of the Captain of the Port of Philadelphia when he retired in 1982. He became a member of the Atlantic City Fire Department in March 1947 and retired February 1st, 1984 as the chief of the department. He also served as the Director of Civil Defense and Disaster Control from 1963 to 1972. On August 26th, 2005 Atlantic City Fire Station #6 at Annapolis and Atlantic Avenues was officially renamed for him, "Chief Franklin Kemp Fire Station". He was a member of Keystone Lodge #153 and other Masonic groups. He was proudly a member of the NJ Society of Sons of the American Revolution. He was a historian, lecturer and author of three books. He is survived by his wife, Estella (nee Rohrbach) Kemp; son Wayne Kemp; daughter Charlotte Kemp; daughter June Kemp Hayes; grandsons Franklin Hayes and Brian Hayes; great grandsons Jacob Hayes, Dylan Hayes and Brayden Hayes. A funeral service will be held on Monday, September 9, 2013 at 11:00am at Adams-Perfect Funeral Home, 1650 New Road, Northfield. A visitation will be held from 10:00am until the time of the service. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave, Suite 1700, Chicago, IL 60601. Arrangements entrusted to and condolences may be left for his family at: adams-perfect.com

Published by The Press of Atlantic City on Sep. 6, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for FRANKLIN KEMP

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I have not forgotten the great Chief Franklin W. Kemp. Nor will I ever. A great historian, a great researcher, a great writer, a great author, a great man, a great person and a great Chief Engineer of the Atlantic City Fire Department. He was one of us. A patriot and a server of humanity. He didn't do it for himself, he did it for all of us. That's what I will remember the most about him. Rest in Peace my friend.

Stephen Klein

Coworker

September 4, 2020

June so sorry to hear of your loss you and your family are in my prayers, SOO sorry to not be there for you

Love Sheryl Hayes

September 10, 2013

Rest in peace Chief Kemp, the last alarm has sounded

Capt.Jack Johnson Ret.

September 9, 2013

RIP Chief Kemp !!!

Chief Robert Macready

September 8, 2013

I grew up knowing him. He was friends with my father, who worked with him in the AC Fire Department. I also went to school with his daughter, Charlotte. He was also an author. I enjoyed readng "A Nest of Rebel Pirates" about the British attack on Chestnut Neck (now Port Republic). He was a great man and will be remembered.

Patrick Duffy

September 8, 2013

To the Kemp family so sorry for your loss

Barbara Folis Meserole

September 6, 2013

Dear Estella and the entire Kemp family:

Sincere condolences from every member of the Col. Richard Somers Chapter, New Jersey Society, Sons of the American Revolution. We have been honored by Franklin's many years of friendship and membership in our Chapter. His exhaustive research into the Revolutionary War, Battle of Chestnut Neck, culminating in the preeminent book on the battle, A Nest of Rebel Pirates, is the object of much pride in our Chapter.

We mourn his passing.

Earl Cain
Secretary-Historian
Col Richard Somers Chapter
New Jersey Society
Sons of the American Revolution
Smithville, NJ

September 6, 2013

So many words come to mind, though none of them seem like enough. The world was such a better place while this man was in it. The last time I talked to you Uncle Franklin, I told you that you were always one of my heroes. You acted so surprised, giggled & thanked me. NO! Thank you! The Kemps & the McGrews didn't need blood to be family: they just were. June, oh June (we started it all), Aunt Stella, Char & Waynie: we have to take comfort in our memories & feel better that he's watching over us. I wish I could be there. You're all in my thoughts, prayers & most of all my heart. Rest in Peace, Uncle Franklin: we love you!!!

Suzy McGrew Krol

September 6, 2013

RIP> Chief, it was an honor working with you

Skip Evans

September 6, 2013

Prayers and deepest sympathy are with you during this difficult time!
Chief Kemp has preserved history and memories for all to reflect.
May God Bless Him.

Joseph Daily ACFD L1 P4

September 6, 2013

To Kemp Family & Friends & Fire Fighters that he worked with
Sorry for your loss He was a great person He will be missed
Your friend now and always
Barbara Murphy Egg Harbor Twp NJ

September 6, 2013

Rest In Peace Chief Kemp..
Our Condolences to the Kemp Family..

Eddie & Beth Maguire ACFD ret.

September 6, 2013

Rest in Peace, Chief. The Last Alarm has sounded.

Nick DeMarco, ACFD retired(1973-2006)
Cape Coral, FL

September 6, 2013

Sincerest sympathies to the Kemp and Hayes family. He was a good man that served his country in war and his community in peace. Beside his long service, Franklin W. Kemp left us with a rich collection of his excellent historical firefighting books. He also left to us, historical films of The Atlantic City Fire Department's major fires through 1920 forward till 1984.

Thank you Chief Kemp. You will always be remembered and may you always rest in the Peace of Heaven.

Steve Klein ACFD (Ret.)

September 6, 2013

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