Kate , Scott, and family, I just learned of your Dad's passing. What a fine gentleman and trial lawyer he was. I'm sure he will be missed terribly; I lost my Dad a few months ago and I've had much
 difficulty but I know he'd want me to carry on with all the fight I can muster. I'm quite certain that your Dad would want you to do the same. When I was coming up through the ranks I was told that if I wanted to be a plaintiff's trial lawyer I should watch Jack Dempsey, Smith, Magner and Beltz  When your on trial and in a tight spot and need some advice just ask yourself what would your Dad do and things will work out just fine. May he rest in peace. Best regards. John Ballow

Jack will always be remembered at the Derby Club and his Christmas parties.   Thank you for the good times and wonderful memories.  

Patrice and Edmund Besch

Dear Helen and family,
My sincere condolences.
Art Russ

Jack now I have 3 half gallons of bullet rye whiskey what  the he'll am I supposed to do!  
See you on the other side,bring Carey Cantwell.

Kate, Helen and Family,
 Nancy and I just want to express our deepest condolences to you on the loss of these truly great man.  I met Jack early in my career, and realized he was an attorney of uncommon wit and humor.  I  always enjoyed all my interactions with him through the years, and especially looked forward to the 4th of July and Christmas Party.  He will be truly missed. 

Helene Marie, so sorry for your loss. Maureen and I loved our times at the Bills games with you and John. I especially enjoyed talking about Maureen and John tapping their ankles getting on and off the bandwagon .  I’m sorry we have to miss the wake and funeral mass, as we are in Florida. Please accept our sincere condolences at this hard time.  Prayers for You and John an the entire family, 
                                                                                Hank Tabaczynski and Family

To the Dempsey Family,
Mr. Dempsey was truly one of my favorite attorneys to report.
I always felt welcomed when I reported a case with him.
He would try to get me to laugh by winking at me after he said something in his dry sense of humor.

I think my favorite memory is seeing all his rejection letters proudly framed in the old conference room.

He was a wonderful man and shall be sorely missed.

With deepest sympathy,
Richard B. Whalen
Jack W. Hunt & Associates

I don't have enough words or space to express my gratitude to John Dempsey for what he gave me.   I wasn't quite 28 years old when he hired me and never thought in a million years that I would work at the same place for 33 years.   He was there for me when I suffered the loss of my brother.   I learned so much from him and I became more confident in expressing myself.  He got me into investing in the stock market for my future and always had a life story to share.   He was funny, witty, stubborn and a character, but above all he was a man of character!  There are so many Jack Dempsey stories but my favorite is when an employee came into work at 9:01 or left at 4:59, Mr. D.  had a knack for being at the door and shouting "Best part-time job in the Word" as the employee would be coming in or going out.  No Mr. Dempsey, you were wrong.  It was the BEST JOB PERIOD!!  We will miss you more than you ever thought.  Thank you for everything!!!

Jack was a terrific trial attorney and gentleman. He always elevated the integrity of the courtroom when he entered the room. I enjoyed him in my courtroom. I always learned something about the law and humanity from him during every appearance. He represented his clients relentlessly. A great loss for the whole legal community. Judge Richard C. Kloch, Sr.

It’s hard to imagine a world without the force that was Jack Dempsey in it.  A true friend in need, an extraordinary lawyer and a great boss.  Practicing law with Helen and him was always a rare (and often a fun) adventure.  Sharing a cocktail and a fine dinner was always a special way to spend a few hours.  We are the poorer that he is gone but that richer that he was here.  And we know, as the Irish would say (and he would appreciate), he’s in God’s pocket now.


We loved our Uncle John so much.  Mom’s baby brother, a presence in our lives for as long as I can remember.
We were so blessed with our Dempsey family.
He gave me my first bottle of ‘grown-up’ perfume (Arpège) and took me to see My Fair Lady…pretty special for an awkward adolescent. 
I remember watching him with my dad, relaxing in his backyard while enjoying a gorgeous summer sunset on Lake Erie, saying, “not bad for a kid from Groton”.
And I remember when he called Mom, so many years ago, to tell her he’d fallen in love, with Helen Marie…that Mom had been right when she said he’d know when it was the real deal.
He was humble, kind, self-deprecating, grateful, hysterically funny, unpretentious, generous.  He made everyone feel special.
My love and condolences to his family…how lucky were we.
xo 💛

Classmate, colleague, neighbor and friend, our inimitable Jack will never be forgotten. 
With deep sympathy,
Carole and Joe

Helen & Family ~ I first met Jack 49 years ago when I worked in the Law Library.  He was always smiling and kind.   My heartfelt sympathy to his family.


Carol & I are so very sorry to hear of Jack’s death, and  send our thoughts  to his wife, Helen, and their family in this time of great grief.. Jack was a fine  man, thoughtful, fun, quick wit,  community oriented, and he will be missed by all who knew him. 

Dear Helen, You have our sincere condolences. Jack was the kindest and wittiest of men. He was a regular at our dental office, and always asked everyone how they were doing. He'd joke that he married a woman from Lackawanna (!), although he admitted that you were very intelligent and his better half! Sincerely, Dr. Janet Pope and Dr. Doug Schumer

Dear Mrs. D, John Kaney and Kate – I loved Mr. D!!  He was my boss, my mentor, my stockbroker, my friend.  He was my life coach.  He introduced me to the very dry vodka Martini and I will be forever grateful!  We met in December of 1975 and started a journey that lasted 48 years.  I will hold him in my heart forever.  I can hear him now saying, “Ann, you’ll miss me when I’m gone!”  I do, Mr. D!  I do.

Helen, Kate and Scott, John and Brigid and beautiful grandkids…and extended family:
We are so, so sorry and sad for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult days.
Jack was a joy to know and we will miss him very much here in MA.
Love,  Lauren and Joe ONeil

OBITUARY

John Mason Dempsey

14 September, 1943 – 2 March, 2023

Perna, Dengler, Roberts Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services