Daniel S Dempsey Jr.

Daniel S. Dempsey, Jr. of Coldenham, NY passed away at home on April 3, 2026 with his wife and family at his side. He was 78 years old.

Dan was born in Olean, NY, on January 24,1948, the son of Daniel S. Dempsey Sr. and M.Patricia Anger Dempsey. After seven years in Bolivar, NY, Dan moved with his family to Coldenham in 1955. Growing up in the family homestead just behind his dad’s business, Dan helped out in the pipe yard every chance he could, developing an affinity for the pipe business at an early age. When he wasn’t in school, he was at the pipe yard. He graduated from Valley Central High School, a proud member of the Class of 1966. Following graduation from Alfred Ag Tech in 1968, Dan served with NMCB5 in the U.S. Navy Seabees, including a tour of duty in Da Nang, Vietnam in 1969.

Upon his return to Coldenham in 1970, Dan joined his parents in the family business, Dempsey Steel Pipe Co., Inc. Dan and his dad worked side by side and shoulder to shoulder for many years. The pipe business was Dan’s life work, and he was admired for his business acumen, integrity, likeable personality, and lighthearted sense of humor. He worked tirelessly at the business, filling thousands of orders and driving over a million miles delivering pipe over the years. Dan was the personification of the company motto coined by his great grandfather, “We like to work.”

In 1976, Dan married Judi Mulligan, his “Little Pee Wee", of Newburgh, NY. For fifty blessed years, they were devoted partners, first in raising their family and later in working together for many years at the pipe business. Dedicated to his community, Dan proudly served 28 years as a Councilman for the Town of Montgomery and was an active member of the Coldenham Fire Department for 60 years. He was also a Life Member of BPOE Elks 1097 Middletown, American Legion Post 521 Montgomery, and VFW 2064 Maybrook. On a personal level, Dan was a loyal friend and always found time to offer a helping hand.

After 71 years, the threader was turned off, and the doors were closed shortly after Dan was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and Lewy Body Dementia in 2025. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all who helped during these very difficult years. The VA staff at Castle Point and Hospice of Orange and Sullivan for their support and kindness to Dan and to all of the family. To our local EMS teams who answered many late-night calls for help. To our dear friends whose support throughout Dan’s illness has been unwavering, especially Elliot Arnott, Bobby Tersillo, and Kristen Sorice.

Dan is survived by Judi, his wife of 50 years; five daughters, Patricia (Bryan) Dempsey, and Mary Anne (Jake) Dempsey, Linda Parrella, Jill Parrella, and Jennifer (Jason) Vogt; and their eight grandchildren, Jake, Nicole, and Rowan Parrella Vaughn, Sarah, Jax, and Riley Lister, Nejma Hamdi, and Joshua Lyons. He is also survived by his brother Timothy (AeSim) Dempsey, sister MaryEllen (Doug) Glorie, and eight nieces and nephews, including goddaughters Erin Leybourn and Helen Dempsey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Town of Montgomery Food Pantry, the Coldenham Fire Department, or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Services will take place on April 11, 2026 at Goodwill Church on Rt. 208 in Montgomery, NY. Visiting hours will be 9-11am with a memorial service from 11-12pm. 

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