Paul Cempa Obituary
January 18, 1943 ~ January 18, 2026
Paul Joseph Cempa passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026, surrounded by love. He was an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and son, whose life was defined by devotion, hard work, and kindness.
A proud United States Navy veteran, Paul served his country with honor before dedicating his professional life to a long and successful career as a stationary engineer. His strong work ethic, integrity, and problem-solving spirit were evident in everything he did.
Paul was also deeply committed to giving back. He believed strongly in supporting his community and helping whenever and wherever he could. He loved to keep busy, stay active, and put his time and energy into meaningful causes. A devoted and active member of Gold Star Post 1365, Paul proudly served as Vice Commander and truly enjoyed being part of the post, dedicating countless hours to its mission and fellowship.
Beyond his career, service, and community involvement, Paul was a joyful and curious soul. He loved traveling, experiencing new places, and making memories along the way. His genuine happiness and warmth drew people in, and he was truly loved by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Above all else, family meant everything to Paul. He was a steady presence, a source of wisdom, and a pillar of love and support. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the stories he shared, and the countless lives he touched.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting a donation in Paul's name to either Wounded Warrior Project or Tunnels To Towers.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Laura James
February 1, 2026
Uncle Paul,
You will always be remembered. Your energy and love of life brightened us all. I remember my dad getting a big kick out of your appetite and how you still stayed so slim. You fit right into our big, loud and loving family. I think this pic was from one of our gambling or vacation trips. Love you always ,
Laura, Bob, Ryan, Dylan and Riley James
Frank Tirino
January 30, 2026
Hi Paul, this is cousin Frank Tirino. I´ve known you since I was about 8 years old, when you were courting my cousin Stella at 385 Logan Street in Brooklyn. When you were entering the Navy and Stella, Phyllis and Aunt Mary moved to Massachusetts to be near you, you asked if you could take my dog Skippy with you for company for them. And you named him a Navy name "Skipper". Then you eventually moved back and moved into the second floor of our Richmond Hill house, before moving the family to Long Island. You and my brother Pat, worked in the Gas turbines for Con Edison for many years, and then finished out your career as a Supervisor in Building #136 Astoria Stores, where I worked. Also, another good memory I had was when my friends and I came to your Long Island house to watch Super Bowl 111, to see the New York Jets win the Super Bowl. We all had a great day. It was good to see you all these years I knew you, and working close to you at one time. You will be missed, till we see you again. Rest in Peace.
Love, Frank and Debbie Tirino
David Owens
January 23, 2026
Paul changed my life and my families lives by what he did for me when I was a struggling mechanic.I met him working at a job site one day and here I am 25 years later as a Chief Engineer all due to his kindness and willingness to help someone. I will never forget him and could never thank him enough. My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones he will be truly missed. Rest in Peace Paul and thank you again from the bottom of my heart.
Celeste Zervas
January 23, 2026
We loved you Paulie!!! Will miss you, especially our trips to AC and cruises to Bermuda. Until we meet again. May you rest in peace.
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Neil Schimler
January 22, 2026
Stella Cempa
January 22, 2026
Rest in peace Paul. You were loved.
Maria Cempa James
January 22, 2026
Dad,
I am completely heartbroken!!! We had so much time left. You were the best dad a daughter could ever ask for. You were always there for me! I am devastated that we could not be with you at the time you needed someone the most. Everyone who knew you loved you so much. I loved you so much. I´m so glad I spoke to you just a couple days before. I find myself listening to the messages you left me just to hear your voice again. Your grandchildren, great-grandchildren, me and our entire family will forever love and miss you. This is a nightmare I wish I could wake up from. I love you dad. Until we meet again.
Your daughter Maria
Maria Cempa James
January 22, 2026
Kristine Cempa
January 21, 2026
Dad my heart is filled w/sadness & confusion due to your sudden passing. I´ve always loved you from when we first met, until eternity You loved our children Frankie & KK as you watched them grow. You loved my family w/your big heart as if they were your family. Everybody ment something good to you & I always appreciated You!! You were my dad heart & soul. We always checked in w/a call or text from or to you but now until we meet again in Heaven, God has a new angel.
Kristine Cempa
January 21, 2026
Phyllis Metcalfe
January 21, 2026
Well Paul what could I say:
You were a man who was loved by every person who´s life you touched and that is quite a feat in the world we live in today.
You took me and mom in when I was 10 years old. I remember dancing the twist at your wedding. You were not a brother-in-law you were a big brother. We formed many memories together. But I´m going to use one that sticks in my mind from when I was 10 or 11 years old. I think there is only one person alive right now that knows about this memory.
I remember you taking us onto the USS WASP (this was the ship you would be out to sea on when you were gone) you took your family on this adventure. It was family day. We were your family. You look so handsome in your uniform. I remember them taking us out to sea and blasting off what I thought were fireworks. It was a day that stuck in my mind all my life. Yes we shared a lot of other memories together, but this one has always been my favorite.
So Paul, I am going to end with saying until we meet again!
Kayla Cempa
January 21, 2026
To my loving Grandpa:
Ever since you left us, all I can hear in my head is your voice saying "hello Kayla," telling me you love me, or even saying one of your catch phrases, "very bad." Your loss was so sudden and unexpected; I wish I had the opportunity to talk to you one last time, to tell you how much I love you and to thank you for everything you've done for my family. I will miss seeing you smile, watching you play around with Scooby and Mando, and cracking jokes with us... Our lives will never be the same without your love and light to guide us, and every day that passes, we will carry you around with us in our hearts. This isn't a goodbye, it's a see you later. One day, we will all be reunited again. I love you so much, Grandpa. You will NEVER be forgotten.
Love your Granddaughter,
Kayla.
Frank Cempa
January 20, 2026
Dad, I always hoped and prayed this day would never come. I can´t express the the void I have in my heart ,but I will try. I lost my father, my best friend and my mentor ,the main figure in my life. You molded me into the man I am today and guided me to raise my children with respect ,love and affection.I am so proud to be your son and I know Frankie is so proud to have been your grandson nothing means more to me than to say how you have mentored me . I followed in your footsteps and your grandson a third generation following in your footsteps. your legacy will be carried on through us. There are so many memories that I have and I will cherish forever. I just wish I had more of them to come. You were always there for me, the pain of me not being there for you when you needed me most will never subside. I will carry you in my heart until we meet again. Rest in eternal peace my loving father and I will always strive to be as kind and loving man you raised me to be. You were something to everyone, but you were everything to me. We will celebrate your life and share our memories to keep you alive in our hearts .All my love until we meet again. Love always and forever your son Frank
Dr Steven Brenman
January 20, 2026
My sincere condolences to your Family Paul was always a pleasure to see at my Dental Office for many Years
Nick G
January 20, 2026
Paul or Affectionately those that worked with him called him PAULieeeeeeI knew and worked with Paul for forty years And never When I worked with him did I have a bad Day He taught me a lot And help me pass and achieve my Engineer Licenses
Paul was an old school Engineer who lead his men by example. He had great supervisory skills And tech knowledge
He always tried to teach the trade like it should be . A true Union supporter .Who never stop bragging about his family
Rest easy Paulieeee my friend. My condolences to your entire family
RIP
God Bless
Neil Schimler
January 19, 2026
Paulie, you left me too soon. I´m absolutely heartbroken. You were a brother to me. Closer to me than my own brother. Everybody is devastated. I can´t stop thinking about loosing the best friend anybody could ever have. You were a man loved by everyone because were pure in heart and loved everybody.
I´ll miss you every day for the rest of my life and then one day we´ll be together again.
Rest in peace, my good friend. I love you.
Harold Bregman
January 19, 2026
A good friend.Rest in Peace Paul
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1289 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10302
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