David G. Kemp, 84, of 7147 State Rd 19 N, Belfast, passed away Thursday, March 19, 2020 at his home, following a lengthy illness. Born December 4, 1935 in Caneadea, he was the son of Hiram A. and Dorothy J. Rich Kemp. On September 6, 1958 in Dalton, he married the former Eunice I. Parker, who survives.
He had grown up in the Dalton, Short Tract and Fillmore areas. He attended the Fillmore Central School and eventually received his GED certificate. Dave served with the Army during the Korean Conflict from 1953 to 1955. Later he attended Alfred State College for a period of one year studying engineering. Dave loved cars and working on them. He was an auto mechanic in various places including Perry, Caledonia, Avon and Warsaw. He came to Belfast in 1971 where he was a self-employed mechanic at his home. He was a generous man, sometimes repairing people’s cars for no money.
He enjoyed cars and working on them, beagle and coon hunting dogs and tropical fish. He loved his family and spending time with them.
He attended the Belmont Baptist Church and was a member of the Belfast, Robert W. Howden American Legion Post Number 1511.
Surviving besides his wife, Eunice are a son, David G. Kemp II of Holmdel, NJ; two daughters, Dorothy M. (Bernard) Courant of Stannards and Crystal L. (Paul) Malota of Belfast; 8 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren; two brothers, Hiram (Oleath) Kemp of Hunt and Gordon (Rita) Kemp of Campbell, NY;
two sisters, Winifred Austin of Hazlet, NJ and Kathleen (Zafar) Ahmad of Holmdel, NJ; and several nieces and nephews.
David was predeceased by two great grandchildren.
There will be no visitations. A private graveside service will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at the Union Cemetery in Dalton. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date to be announced. Arrangements are under the direction of the Treusdell Funeral Home, Belfast.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences can be made for the family by clicking the button below.