Donald L. Kemp
New Oxford
Donald L. Kemp, 91, passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2016. He was the husband of Claire Kemp, to whom he was married for seventy years. He was born in Berwick, Pennsylvania, the son of Ethel and Joseph Kemp. He served in the U.S. Navy in World War II where he played in the Navy Band. After his discharge, he earned a Master's degree at Ithaca College in New York, and became the instrumental music director in Wells, New York. In 1955, he became the music director for the New Oxford Area Schools, and later became the high school principal. He was foremost a teacher and a musician; his compassion and wisdom have influenced hundreds of young people for over 70 years. "Mr. Kemp" will be missed.
Don loved people, golf, telling stories, Duke basketball, and Berwick football. He gave freely of his time and talents to numerous service organizations throughout the area, most visibly, perhaps, on many frigid days selling oranges and placing Christmas decorations on the Square. After his retirement, he also coached the high school golf team.
In addition to Claire, he is survived by his sister, Mildred Thompson; son James D. Kemp and his wife, Sally; grandson Jonathan David Kemp and his partner Elizabeth Hermann.
The celebration of his amazing life will be on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 in the Feiser Funeral Home in New Oxford. Visitation will be from 1:00-3:00 that afternoon with the service following at 3:00; interment in the New Oxford Cemetery after the service. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 20 S. Peter Street, New Oxford, PA 17350 or Disabled American Veterans, Charitable Service Trust, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076.