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James R. "Moose" DEMPSEY

FUNERAL HOME

Dietrich Funeral Home - Amherst

2480 Kensington Avenue

Amherst, New York

James DEMPSEY Obituary

DEMPSEY - James R. "Moose"
September 5, 2020. Beloved husband of 47 years to Mary (nee Reed); loving father of Erin (Brian) Langley, Kate (Graeme) Leiser, Molly (Terrence) Miller and Scott (Kasandra Dassoulas) Dempsey; dear grandfather of Matthew, Maisie, Nora, Corinne, Chase, Bryce, Olivia, Jack and James; brother of Dennis (Marilyn), Ralph Dempsey, Mary (John) Walker, Jean (Mike) Ruggeri, Barbara (Scott) Pennino and the late Bob Dempsey. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, and loving friends. Due to COVID restrictions, services were held privately. A Celebration of Moose's life will be held at a later date. Donations may be made in memory of James Dempsey, to the Independent Health Family Branch YMCA (www.ymcabn.org/donate) or Say YES Buffalo (sayyesforever.org).Arrangements made by DIETRICH FUNERAL HOME, INC. Online condolences may be made at www.thedietrichfuneralhome.com

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Published by Buffalo News on Sep. 13, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for James DEMPSEY

17 Entries

Darrell Chasse

October 24, 2020

I was shocked and saddened to learn of Dr. Dempsey's passing. He was one of the first principals I worked under after graduating from college and student teaching, and he made an indelible impression. He made it a point to introduce himself on my first day subbing at Grand Island High School, and it was a building I always made it a point to work in, because I knew that if there was ever a student conduct issue, that I would be supported and all sides would be heard fairly. I also remember him telling me to "keep smiling" on my final day of working there.

Rest in Peace Dr. Dempsey. And thank you for your help and presence.

Patrick Henry

September 19, 2020

Moose and I graduated together from Bishop Neumann in the 60s, and I was lucky enough to reconnect with him on the golf course the past few years. He was the literal embodiment of a "gentle giant" and a true gentleman.
The glowing tributes here from his former colleagues speak to what a great administrator and, more important, a fine human being he was.
It's often said that we never realize the impact we have on other people's lives. This is surely true in Moose's case. I know that he leaves behind a community better off for the work he did educating its citizens of the future.

Erhard "Moose" Moosmann

September 18, 2020

I always remember greeting Jim at the Y with a "Hi Moose" from another "Moose"

Lynne C Smith

September 18, 2020

I live on Grand Island, but as a music teacher I taught at Cleveland Hill when Dr. Dempsey was the principal. He was always a fair and strong leader. He will be missed in the world of education. Please, accept my sincere condolences.

Jennifer Cassidy

September 16, 2020

I am so sorry to hear that Moose has passed away. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.

Joe Podgorski

September 16, 2020

Deepest sympathy to the Dempsey family!

Karen karmazin

September 15, 2020

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Dr D. I worked with Jim at Grand Island and respected him as an educational leader and genuinely wonderful human being. When I learned he was retiring I cried! Dr D. was adored by his faculty and staff. His sense of humor, extraordinary work ethic and kind nature will always be remembered. May his memory be a blessing.

Sam & Sue Tiranno

September 14, 2020

Mary, Sincere condolence to you and your family in the loss of your loved one.

Herb Zimmerman

September 14, 2020

To the Dempsey family , you have our Deepest regrets for Moose .

Timothy J. Oldenburg

September 14, 2020

How I loved working fr you! Also, always had fun! GO BILLS! :)

Thomas J. Schierer

September 14, 2020

Mary, I am deeply saddened by Jim's passing. I'll never forget the good times we had on the golf course at Daytona Beach. May God bless.

Thomas Smith

September 14, 2020

I remember the Dempsey family from Glen Ave in Williamsville. My grandparents, Wendell and Bertha Miller, lived at 156 Glen Ave., across the street from the Dempsey homestead. We would visit my grandparents on Sunday afternoon and end up across the street at the Dempseys. Rest in peace, Moose.

Vikki Smith

September 13, 2020

RIP Jim. What a kind, loving , intelligent person you were. I was sad to leave you at Grand Island, and didn't you show up years later at Sacred Heart
Academy!
To Jim's family: I am terribly sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go to each and everyone of you who love him.

Mary Therrien

September 13, 2020

Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of such a caring, wonderful man. Dr. Dempsey (nver "Moose" to me) was my principal at Grand Island High School for 10 years - and they were the best 10 years of my career because of him. I was the Chair of the Social Studies Department, and worked closely with him. Dr. Dempsey was the finest administrator that I ever worked with. He truly cared about students, teachers and parents - he loved athletes, honor students and BOCES students all equally. Above all else, he was an honorable, decent human being. PLEASE let me know when you will celebrate his wonderful life. He will be sorely missed; today, more than ever, we need school administrators like him. He touched everyone he came into contact with. I shall never forget him.

Dan/Judy Thielen

September 13, 2020

We are so sorry to hear of Jim's death. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Michael Dunn

September 13, 2020

Rest in Peace Jim. We spent a lot of years together at GI schools,Army Reserves and of course basketball at various gyms. It was a pleasure knowing and working with you.

Ray McConnell

September 13, 2020

One of the better people I knew in life.... so very sorry for your loss.
Great memories of our gatherings on Hamilton Dr. One heck of a friend.

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