William Dempsey

of Cleveland Heights, OH passed away on February 28, 2026. He was the beloved husband of Beverly Sater Dempsey; dear father of Allison (Charles) Jackson of Columbia, MD and Julianna (Michael) Tauschinger-Dempsey of Brooklyn, NY; loving grandfather of Branford and Taylor Jackson, and Liesl, Nathaniel and Greta Tauschinger-Dempsey; dear brother-in-law of Barbara Sater of Lancaster, OH, John (Sue) Wilgus, Helen Wilgus, Tom (Jill) Wilgus, Barbara (George) Bellassai and Carol (Dave) McKimm; loved by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous friends and colleagues. He was preceded in death by his parents, the Rev. William and Julia Brown Dempsey; two former wives, Geraldine Lawrence and Mary Joan Wilgus; two brothers-in-law, Roger Sater and Larry Wilgus, and sister-in-law Marilyn Wilgus.
Growing up in New Orleans, Bill was an outstanding high school and college athlete, winning awards in track and field and football. He also began what would become a lifelong career in music. He was a graduate of Dillard University and earned a master's degree in music from Kent State University. Bill served in the Army in the early 1960s, as a member of the Army Band, stationed in South Carolina, performing as a percussionist and featured singer. Bill was a gifted singer, enjoying a long career performing in opera, oratorio, and recitals. He toured Europe in the late 1970s, singing the lead role in Porgy and Bess. He performed as a solo artist with many American orchestras, including the Cleveland Orchestra. For many years he was the bass-baritone soloist in many Cleveland area churches and soloist with the Cleveland Messiah Chorus. Bill taught school in the East Cleveland and the Cleveland school systems. He taught voice at the Cleveland Music School Settlement, Allegheny College, and at Cleveland State University. He was a proud member of the Hermit Club, where he performed many times over the years.
Bill will be remembered for his extraordinary talent and grace, his smile and warm disposition, and his character and dignity. While our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for his life and the unforgettable moments we were blessed to share with him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Bill's memory, to the Cleveland Orchestra, Severance Music Center, 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106.
Memorial Service SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026 at 11 a.m. at the SCHULTE & MAHON-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, 5252 MAYFIELD RD., LYNDHURST (BETWEEN RICHMOND AND BRAINARD). Interment private. The family will receive friends at the funeral home FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2026 FROM 4 TO 6 P.M. and SATURDAY, APRIL 25 FROM 10 a.m. until the time of service. Please sign the funeral home Tribute Wall at: www.murphyfamilyfuneralhome.com