John H. Dempsey, 76, of Newington, husband of 44 years to Barbara (Hale) Dempsey, died February 15, 2015 after a valiant 3 month fight against esophageal cancer. He was born in Bristol, the son of the late Margaret Howard Dempsey. John retired from the Department of Developmental Services after 33 years. After retirement he worked for Wesleyan University for 17 years in Public Safety Transportation. His wife Barbara, children Kathleen, Margaret, Andrew, and Jean, as well as grandchildren Corrine, Taylor, Makayla, and Jordan survive him. A memorial service will be held at Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Turnpike, Wethersfield, Friday February 20, 11am-1pm, followed by burial at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be made to www.wildhorserescue.org. To share a memory with the family please visit www.dillonbaxter.com