John T. Dempster Jr.

To my big brother- We may have had our differences while growing up but they soon passed when you enlisted in the Navy. Not being able to find a job upon graduation from high school DAD insisted that I join the Navy which I did in 1940. Being you were in 3 years ahead of me I trusted your advice of what to try to get upon graduating from Boot Camp. You said "Go to a school and learn something" so what happens they ask for volunteers for Sub School and my hand went up upon hearing the word...

To the Dempster Family ~ I am so very sorry for your loss and I extend to each of you my deepest sympathies and condolences. May God keep you all close at this time and through knowing each of you, I know how you will always be there to support and love one another. Your father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother will forever remain an inspiration in my life. He has always been a hero of mine and I have learned from him to give to the world a little more than I take. I will...

To the Dempster Family:
I am a cousin on the Reed side of the family and wanted to relate to all of you what occurred many years ago. When John's folks, Aunt Adelaide and Uncle John used to visit us in Bethlehem back in the 1940s and 1950s, we did not know that they had any children at all, as my Dad, William Reed was one of the younger Reed Children with Aunt Adelaide being the oldest (I think). They visited us and Uncle John ALWAYS gave us a quarter to splurge on a treat, and it really...

Grandpop-
We all miss you so much. You brought the family so close these past few weeks and I`m greatful for that. You were so important to everyone and we're all gonna miss you. We all love you so and we will never forget what a great person you are. I love you grandpop

John,
You will be sadly missed by all who knew you. You were my predecessor and successor as Commander of the New Jersey South Base of USSVI but more importantly you were a leader a friend and a TRUE AMERICAN HERO. God Bless You!

John . . . just a thought about the time when you gave me a hand pouring concrete at Brother's Pizza on Rt. #33--that was a slab for an A/C unit installed some 35 years ago . . . well, wherever you are, I'm sure there's plenty of apple pies. Your son-in-law, Carl.

Grandpop,
We all miss you so much. You hung on these past few weeks, you were such a fighter. But, we know Grandmom was up there calling you. We're a strong, and very close family, and we'll be each others shoulder to lean on forever. And even though we're going to miss you more then anything else, we know you're looking down on us, and that you're taking care of Grandmom, Aunt Karen, Uncle Brian, and Parkie. You are definitely our hero. We love you. We miss you. I know you'll be leaving...

On behalf of the membership of the USSVI, I wish to express our sincere condolences to the family of our Shipmate John T. Dempster, Jr. Sailor Rest Your Oar.
National Chaplain, USSVI