John F. Dempsey, Sr. 84, of Cromwell, beloved husband of Catherine (Poland) Dempsey, died Saturday, May 10, 2014, at Middlesex Health Care Center, Middletown. He was born in Hartford son of the late Patrick J. and Margaret (Butler) Dempsey and had lived in Cromwell since 1985. John owned and operated the J and K Painting and Roofing Company for many years. He was very involved in the catholic church serving as a Deacon and teaching Bible Study at both St. Augustine and the Immaculate Conception Churches in Hartford. John was also a U.S. Navy Veteran, and an avid Red Sox fan. Besides his wife he is survived by 4 sons, John F. Dempsey, Jr. Newington, James R. Dempsey, Robert R. Dempsey, William M. Dempsey, all of Cromwell. 4 daughters, Catherine A. Durkin, Newington, Carol R. Griffin, Rocky Hill, Susan V. Hopkins, Windsor Locks, and Maureen M. Lozinski, Cromwell. John also leaves a brother Richard Dempsey of VA, 11 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by a brother Ronald Dempsey and a sister Patricia Keating. The funeral will be held Thursday, May 15, 2014, 10:00 am from the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke. Wethersfield, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 11:00 am in St. Augustine Church, 10 Campfield Ave., Hartford. Burial with military honors will follow in Mt. St Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. Calling hours will be Wednesday, May 14, 2014, from 5 to 8:00 pm . Memorial donations in John's memory may be made to: Middlesex Health Care Center, 100 Randolph Rd. Middletown, CT 06457. To share a memory with the family please visit www.dillonbaxter.com.