Obituary of Timothy Joseph Dempsey

Timothy “Tim” Joseph Dempsey, 72, of Syracuse, NY passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Sunday, December 17, 2023; as a result of exposure to agent orange during his Vietnam service.  Tim was a veteran of the United States Army and retired with the rank of Lieutenant after a long career with the Syracuse Fire Department.

He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Evelyn, sister, Rebecca Dempsey, and in-laws, Edward and Joan Korszeniewski.

Tim is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Sue, his children, Kevin (Abby) and Katie, two grandchildren, Timmy and Connor, his siblings, Mike (Rosanne), Terry (John) Cherchio and Roberta Dempsey and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, December 22, 2023 from 4 to 7pm at the Edward J. Ryan and Son Funeral Home, 3180 Bellevue Ave.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of CNY; 990 7th N St, Liverpool, NY 13088 or Clear Path for Veterans; 1223 Salt Springs Rd, Chittenango, NY 13037

Tim's final words to his friends and family:

If you’re reading this, then you already know I died. Yep, a couple days ago. A bit sooner than I would’ve liked, but still dead. I had a good life. It all started in January 1951. Bob and Evie did the best they could with me, considering they had their hands full with my brother, Mike and my sisters, Terry and Bobbie. I think I turned out okay. No second opinions please. I learned everything I needed to know in life at the prestigious, highly respected, southside, institute of education, better known as St. Anthony’s. The nuns taught me just about everything they thought I needed to know, then gave me the boot.

So there I was in June 1969 getting ready to use everything I was taught and ready to start my life. Not so fast. Uncle Sam needed a few good men and invited me to help him out. He taught me more stuff he thought I needed to know, then sent me off to Germany. What a country! Wonderful people and they had beer there! After a while, Uncle Sam thought I’d like to be somewhere a little warmer. Vietnam. So off I go. He taught me more stuff he thought I needed to know. It was warmer than Germany, but a little different. A lot different. I was there for a year and Uncle Sam said thanks, but he was done with me and sent me home. Before I left, he decided to give me a metal. A Bronze Star. Wow, who knew, right? There were plenty of other GI’s there who deserve it more than I did and I hope they got theirs.

When I got home I met my future wife and love of my life, Susie. What a sweetheart. She pulled me out of the gutter, cleaned me up, set me straight, pointed me in the right direction, and taught me more stuff she thought I needed to know. I joined the Fire Department and stayed for 30 years. Met a lot of good people and had a lot of fun there. Well on the FD, Susie and I got married and had kids, Katie and Kevin. They gave us two grandkids, Timmy, and Connor. Those two boys make me laugh every day. We have fun together. We had some plans we talked about quite a bit. Sorry I checked out early guys. Someday you’ll understand. Tell your dad what we had planned. I’m sure he’ll do them with you. The best names I was ever called in my life were Dad, Boppa and Bum. Even now, hearing those names, they still bring a smile to my face.

I’d like to thank a couple, close friends, Jahari and Kahari, who were always there for us and taught me how to be a better person. Our love for each other was, and still is, never ending. I’d also like to thank everyone who helped me along the way. I appreciate it. And those who tried to lead me down the wrong path, well, that was fun too. So that was my life in a nutshell. All you people out there be safe, have fun and I’ll see you on the other side.

Please don’t spend your money on flowers for me. Instead have a couple beers or, better yet, give a donation to ‘Clear Path for Veterans.’ Afterall, they gave a lot for us. We can give a little something back to them. Thanks. 808 is signing out.