Thomas Dempsey

Dr. Thomas P. Dempsey of Dunmore Died Thursday February 13, 2024 at Willowbrook Clarks Summit. Born in Scranton on November 24, 1938, Tucker was the fourth of four sons of James G. and Mary "Mae" Walsh Dempsey of Dunmore. He attended St. Mary of Mount Carmel grade school and St. Paul High School, then went on to earn his B.S. in 1960 at the University of Scranton, a master's in 1962 at St. John's University, and his Ph.D. in 1965 at Hahnemann University. In 1965, he also became a professor of Biology at Marywood College (now Marywood University), where he taught for 36 years.

Tucker was a self-proclaimed dilettante, dabbling in many interests. As a storyteller, playwright, director, and filmmaker, he created works such as A Day in the Patch and The Woman in White. The people who acted in his productions never forgot the experience, a testament to how deeply he valued collaboration and creativity.

As a musician, he co-founded the Trolley Troubadours, producing 24 albums, playing multiple instruments, and editing tracks. He brought the same meticulous energy to cooking-where meals were orchestrations of culinary excellence. He fluted mushrooms, documented every gourmet dinner with notes, and perfected family classics like hot catsup, fruitcake, and Kristin's Crunchy Cookies. He was a true epicurean, a passion he inherited from his beloved mother.

Tucker was a perpetual learner and teacher. He exercised his mind to keep it sharp, his body to stay healthy, and his loved ones' patience with his enthusiastic lectures on whatever subject had most recently caught his attention. His desire to learn extended to travel, but while he loved having traveled, the actual process of doing so was a different story. A not-so-adventurous adventurer, he carried a can of Lysol with him wherever he went. However, he did not sanitize the stories of his travels and was always happy to entertain others with them.

Above all, Tucker was a keeper of traditions. If something happened more than once, it was a tradition-and traditions were sacred. His Halloween Pumpkin Carving custom has been celebrated for over 45 years. As the proud Keeper of Christmas, he made the season magical with wassailing, yule logs, festive decorations, and gatherings with family and friends. WVIA even featured his wassailing on a Christmas tradition segment one year.

A dog lover to the core, his beloved Newfoundlands, Perth and Fleur, were gentle giants who (according to Tucker) never drooled, despite all evidence to the contrary.

In addition to his immediate family, Tucker also formed meaningful friendships over his lifetime with people who were like family to him. He gave generously-of his time, his knowledge, and quietly, his financial support. He was a major donor and benefactor of Friends of Lackawanna, fighting to preserve the land, air, and community he loved.

Tucker is survived by his cousin Maureen Flynn; his nieces and nephews: Kristin (Thomas) O'Donnell, Sarah (Joseph) Desmarteau, Michele Dempsey, P.J. (Kristen) Dempsey, MaryFrances (Robert) Koester, Katharine (Todd) Spanish, Richard (Barbara) Dempsey, James Dempsey, Timothy (Mara) Dempsey, and Joseph (Cindy) Dempsey; along with many grandnieces and grandnephews; and his sister-in-law Mary Lou Lafferty Dempsey.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Dr. James G. Dempsey, Patrick J. Dempsey, and Richard J. Dempsey, as well as his sister-in-law Karen Bewick Dempsey.

In his honor, continue his wassailing tradition and raise a glass of mulled wine when you bless your Christmas tree. Donations can also be made in his honor to Friends of Lackawanna.

The funeral will be Monday from the Albert P. O'Donnell Funeral Home 2025 Green Ridge Street with a mass of Christian burial at 9:00 A.M. at Saint Mary of Mount Carmel Church 322 Chestnut Street, Dunmore. Friends may call Sunday from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. All those attending the funeral are asked to proceed directly to the church on Monday.