William J. Dempsey Print E-mail

William J. Dempsey

 

 
retired City of Lowell Fire Fighter, 78
 
 William J. Dempsey, 78, of Chelmsford, formerly of Lowell, died Wednesday, July 11th, peacefully with his loving family by his side following a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was the beloved husband of the late Constance R. (Kenney) Dempsey who died July 2, 2008. They enjoyed over 50 years of marriage together.
 Born in Lowell, November 9, 1933, the son of the late William F. and the late Helen A. (Dowling) Dempsey, he attended Lowell schools and Keith Academy.
 A veteran of the Korean Conflict, Bill proudly served his country with the U.S Navy where he earned his GED. Following his honorable discharge from the navy, he graduated from Northern Essex Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science.
 Before retiring, he was a Firefighter/Mechanic with the City of Lowell Fire Department for over 30 years. He was a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters, AFL-CIO, CLC. In addition, he was a past board member of the Lowell Retired Fire Fighters association.
 A communicant of St. Margaret Church in Lowell, he was a member of St. Vincent de Paul. He was also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Lowell.
 Among his many activities, Bill enjoyed studying family genealogy, the history of the Lowell Fire Department and classic cars. An avid New England Patriots fan, he always looked forward to Sunday and occasional Monday night games. Most of all, he loved his many family get-togethers on Cape Cod.
 Bill is survived by two daughters Margaret “Peggy” Dempsey of Newport News, VA and Colleen A. Dempsey of Lowell, MA; a sister Elizabeth “Betty Ann” St. Peter and her husband Ronald F., Sr. of Tewksbury; and many nieces and nephews, among them his godson Ronald F. St. Peter, Jr.
 
DEMPSEY - In Lowell, July 11, 2012, at home, William J. Dempsey, 78, of Chelmsford, formerly of Lowell, husband of the late Constance R. (Kenney) Dempsey. Friends may call at the O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. at Fletcher from 4 to 8 P.M. Friday. Family and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass on Saturday morning at ST. MARGARET CHURCH in Lowell at 9:30 o'clock. Burial in St. Patrick Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make contributions in his memory to the Lowell General Hospital Cancer Center, 295 Varnum Ave, Lowell, MA 01854. E-condolences/Directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Funeral Directors John W. Crane and James F. O’Donnell, Jr. (978 or 866)-458-8768.