James Richard Dempsey

DEMPSEY, James Richard (Dick/Bud) passed away peacefully on July 29, 2013. Dick was born on July 9, 1921 to Terese (Murphy) and Rush Dempsey. A Dayton native, Dick attended St. Anthony Elementary, Parker Cooperative High School and the University of Dayton. He enjoyed a 40-year career with the McCall Publishing Company/Dayton Press. His last position before the plant closed was Executive Director of Reader's Digest Operations. He held a similar position with TV Guide until his retirement at age 74. Dick served his country as a Lieutenant and B-17 pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. After flying 15 successful missions, his plane, the Flying Fortress, was shot down over Berlin in 1944. He was a prisoner of war for 14 months at Stalag 3. Dick was preceded in death by the love of his life, his beautiful wife Marie, in 1975; an infant daughter; his parents; daughter-in-law, Lee; sister and brother-in-law, Marilee and Ham Hertlein; brother Bill; and nephew, Dale Dempsey. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Karen Terese and Edward Volke; son, Michael Timothy; grandsons, Kevin (Chrissy) and Travis (Veronica); great-grandchildren (and the lights of his life!), Ava, Hannah and Lucas; nieces Kathy Dempsey Kussman (Jim), Linda Hertlein Bantner (Chuck), Lori Hertlein Schroerluke (Ed); nephew Tom Hertlein (Diane); sister-in-law, Shirley Fleischman (Bud); cousins Tom Sheetz and Carol Berus; plus numerous dear and devoted neighbors, friends and extended family. The family will receive friends at the TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME-FAR HILLS CHAPEL, 5471 Far Hills Ave. at Rahn Rd. Thursday, August 1, 2013 from 5-8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon on Friday at the Church of St. Albert the Great followed by internment at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider contributions to the National Museum of the U.S Air Force, 1100 Spaatz St., Dayton 45433 or the charity of your choice in Dick's memory. Online condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com. Dear Dad, Grandpa, Uncle Bud: "May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand." We love you. Slainte!