John W. "Jack" Dempsey

John W. “Jack” Dempsey, 91, a proud United States veteran of Olyphant and formerly of Scranton, died Sunday morning at Geisinger-Wyoming Valley in Wilkes-Barre. 

Born in Scranton, son of the late Daniel F. and Hulda Ruger Dempsey, he had been an amateur boxer in his youth, and later graduated from Lackawanna Junior College where he obtained his degree in business management.  Throughout his life, Jack held various business management positions.  

In May of 1950, Jack was drafted into the United States Army and began his military training at Fort Knox in Kentucky, after which he would join his comrades in arms, arriving in Korea on Christmas Eve of that same year.  As a private first class, he had served as a combat infantryman with Company A, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division.  On May 25, 1951, just days past his 18th birthday, Jack was wounded in action and suffered severe shoulder wounds.  He received care in the 141st General Hospital of Kyushu, Japan where he remained until he was able to return home, though not on the previously assigned rotation as had been slated.  Upon discharge, he received the Compat Infantry Badge, and the Korean Service Medal.  He was later awarded the distinguished Purple Heart for wounds acquired though sacrifice for country.  Most recently, he was presented with the Ambassador for Peace Service Medal by the Korean Consulate on behalf of their government as an expression of appreciation. 

Surviving is his daughter, Jacqueline “Jackie” Gillern of Olyphant; granddaughters Kirsten Marie Gillern of Olyphant and Jennifer Ann Gillern of Syracuse, NY; as well as his brother, William Dempsey of Plymouth, PA; nieces and nephews. 

He was also preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth Kraftician Dempsey, sisters Mary Patricia Sollecito and Carol Ann Dempsey; brothers Daniel, Robert, and Thomas Dempsey; and his son-in-law John “Jay” Gillern. 

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff at Glenmaura Senior Living for all of the kindness and care shown to Jack during his stay with them.

The funeral will be Friday from the Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home, Inc., 318 E. Drinker St., Dunmore, with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 a.m. in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 1101 Willow St., Peckville.  Interment with military honors to follow in Dunmore Cemetery.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Thursday evening from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jack’s memory may be made to a nonprofit for military children of wounded, ill, and fallen military heroes: Camp Corral, 801 North West Street, Raleigh, NC 27603 or www.campcorral.org