Michael R. Dempsey, 65

Kennebunk, Maine – Michael Richard Dempsey, passed away On June 30, 2017, following
a long illness.

Born in Evanston, Illinois, Michael spent most of his early years in Marblehead, Massachusetts, where he attended Star of the Sea school. This is also where Michael learned to sail and race his 110 at Pleon Yacht Club. Following graduation from Marblehead High, he attended Bridgton Academy, then on to Eisenhower College of Cornell University. Michael was passionate about politics from a very young age.

In his early career, he began his pursuit of incorporating professional pursuits with personal interests: Schaeffer Marine (sailing on America’s Challenge), then moving on to work for Citizens Energy Group in Boston. His work for the non-profit organization led by Joe Kennedy resulted in his involvement and life-long interest in several political campaigns and dedication to non-profit work. He moved to Washington D.C., in the mid-90s, leading the development and capital campaign programs for Georgetown Law, the University of Maryland and the National Air and Space Museum. He relocated to Maine in 2009 and held positions at two other non-profits: Southern Maine Health Care and as Vice President for Advancement at St. Joseph’s College.

Michael will be very fondly remembered for his quick wit, terrific sense of humor and loquacious nature. He had an innate talent to put anyone at ease in every situation. He had a voracious appetite for lively conversation and debate. He could make his nieces and nephews, along with friends and sibs, launch into laughter instantaneously. He was determined and strong willed. He was a Taurus. He inherited his dad’s sense of style and his interest in looking “fabulous”, in any scenario, came with good humor, as well. He believed from a very young age, that it was “hip to be square”: Just one more hysterical testament to his close friends and family of his self-deprecating humor.

Michael is survived by four siblings: Susan Dempsey Rouillard, Richard Dempsey, and Meg Dempsey- all from Kennebunkport Maine and Peter Dempsey of Sutton, MA. Several nieces and nephews will also miss him. His parents, Marilyn and Donald Dempsey, and his nephew, McKenna Dempsey, predecease him.

At Michael’s request, private services will be held at a later date in Marblehead MA.

Those wishing to make a gift in Michael’s memory may do so with a contribution to:
Saint Martha Church
Social Justice Committee
30 Portland Road
Kennebunk, Maine 04043