Ernest W. “Butch” Dempsey, Jr.
March 6, 1949 - April 8, 2023
Ernest W. “Butch” Dempsey, Jr., age 74, of Bear, DE, passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2023.
Born in Elkton, MD, on March 6, 1949, he was a son of the late Ernest “Bus” and Jean (Davis) Dempsey, Sr. Butch grew up in Lewisville, PA, and was a graduate of Oxford Area High School in 1967 as well as Penn State University in 1971. He attended Navy ROTC while at Penn State and was commissioned as a Naval officer upon graduation.
Butch worked at Cramaro Tarp Systems in Newark, DE, for over 30 years, starting in sales and later retiring in 2019 as vice president. He served on his neighborhood HOA as a board member and vice president for many years. Butch and Claudia were regular attendees of Christ the Cornerstone Church in Bear, serving as an usher and leader of a couples’ group. He loved spending time with his family and making everyone laugh with his “bad grandad jokes.”
Butch is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Claudia (Pilot) Dempsey; devoted daughter, Heather Pasquariello (Dan), grandsons, Justin D’Angelo and Matthew McVey; bonus granddaughter, Summer Pasquariello; and brother, Russell Dempsey.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30 am until 11 am on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11 am. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Butch’s memory to Christ the Cornerstone Church, 3135 Summit Bridge Road, Bear, DE 19701 or online by clicking here or to the favorite charity of the donor’s choice.
Bill Alderman
Ernie was such a pleasure to see coming in the door he always “lit up” the whole place. One of my favorite people in life.
There were many pleasant conversations over the years. I’ll miss him for a long time, good men are hard to find.
To his family remember the good times, I will always have a smile when I think of Ernie.
Ellen Pilot
My prayers are with the family. God Bless.
Beth williams
Thinking of all. Prayers lifted
Margie
Claudia, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I wish I had gotten the opportunity to know your husband more. Lots of love and hugs sweetie..
Love Margie
Lora White-Green
My friend Butch will be missed so much. We had wonderful times ushering together at Cornerstone.
My prayers are with you and your family Claudia.
Lora
Deborah Berry
I remember when you were first married. You two were so much in love. I remember when your daughter was born. Proud parents. Butch especially. You two have many memories together to keep a smile on your face for a long time Claudia.
My condolences to you and your family. Prayers sent to comfort you all. Hugs my friend.
Stephanie &Keith
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Chris & AnneMarie Cooper
Many condolences and prayers from the prayer warriors at Marshallton UMC. AnneMarie and I will miss our longtime neighbor and friend. He was one of the kindest, sincere persons I have met. I will miss his smile and neighborly greetings. We love you Claudia and wish your family sweet memories and happiness knowing Butch is with all his friends in heaven including your little doggie. God bless.
Michael Cramaro
Claudia, Heather and family. I am so sorry for the loss of the most wonderful and sincere man I ever met. When Ernie walked into our office in 1988 it was the luckiest day of our lives. Ernie once said that I taught him a lot but in reality it was Ernie that taught me more. Ernie became our family from day one and I we will miss him for ever.
Ginger Carroll
My heart goes out to you Claudia. My prayers are with you.
Carol Davis
Oh Claudia, I am so sorry! My condolences to you and your family. I cannot be at the services but my heart will be with you. I know how difficult this will be and how much you will miss him. Please contact me at any time. Hugs…Carol Davis
Pastor Vaughn & Gwen Montgaue
Celebrating the life of a wonderful man his shining personality will live on in our hearts. I known we will find comfort in each other and with the help of the Lord you will be comforted. Please know that we are with you through this difficult time.
Lynn
Claudia you and your family are in my prayers. I’m sending you hugs across the miles. Thinking about Butch, I don’t remember him not smiling. I last saw you both at Cornerstone and he had that great smile. I pray that God will comfort you and you’ll feel the love from friends and family at this sad time
Randy Windle
Claudia, so sorry to hear of Butch’s passing. I remember Butch well from Oxford High when he was a Senior and me, a Freshman, often talked during lunch. My condolences to you and your family.
Randy