Obituary of John James Dempsey

John James Dempsey passed away on March 16, 2019, surrounded by his family. He was born in Manhattan, New York City, NY to Josephine Pogorzelski and William Dempsey on July 10, 1943. John's early years were spent growing up in New York City and central New Jersey, moving to Vineland in 1956. While serving proudly in the US Army as a Sgt First Class, John's tours of duty were spent in Germany, Korea and Vietnam. Among his many accommodations as a combat veteran, John was awarded The Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Citation, Vietnam Civil Action Citation, New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal, and New Jersey Vietnam Service Medal. John retired as a sergeant with The New Jersey Department of Corrections. Relocating to Georgetown, Delaware, he also enjoyed spending his winters in Clermont, Florida. John is survived by his wife Stella L. Dempsey, his daughter Cynthia Dempsey and step-daughters Ellen Plummer and Stella (David) Halbuner. Predeceased by his mother Josephine, step-father Frank Karwowski and sister Valerie Karwowski, he is survived by his siblings, Barbara Karwowski, Frank (Linda) Karwowski, Louise Karwowski, Roberta (Michele) Porcelli, Albert (Dorota) Karwowski, and Michael (Kaye Thurman) Karwowski and close friend John Barnabei. He also leaves behind many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts and cousins.