Donald E. Kemp, Sr.

Donald E. Kemp, Sr. died Friday, September 9, 2016 in St. Agnes Hospital with his family by his side. He struggled for more than 3 months to recover from cardiac arrest following lung surgery. Originally from West Friendship, Maryland, he was pre-deceased by his mother, Elsie A. Myers (nee: Grimes) and his stepfather, Arthur Myers. He is survived by his wife, Patricia A. Kemp (nee: Clark) of nearly 57 years and his children, Donald, Jr. and his wife Cheryl, Laura Mastella and her husband, Stephen, Linda Kauffman and her husband, Gary, David Kemp, and Catherine Kemp. There are also 9 grandchildren: Lauren Delfico and her husband, Giuseppe, Megan Kemp, Sarah Francis and her husband, Ian, Chase Kemp in South Carolina, Emily Monroe and her husband, Joshua, Ryan Kemp and his wife, Madeleine, Kathryn Kauffman, and Emma and Caroline Faraone. He is also survived by his dearly loved brother and sister-in-law, Dennis and Gale Clark, many nieces and nephews. He will be missed by the Ruzzis and Avaras who have known him and been part of the family for many years. He has a number of friends from St. Agnes Fitness Center, former co-workers and neighbors, too many to mention. Last but not least his dog, Linus.

Don was an insulator for 40 years, and worked on many construction sites throughout Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia and Pennsylvania. After retirement in 2000, he opened his own contracting company and enjoyed carpentry. He was a real "do it yourselfer" and put in many hours finishing his own home in Catonsville. He was your "go to" guy if you needed something fixed or built.

He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, family request donations be made in his memory to: Special Olympics Howard County 8970 MD-108, Suite A-1 Columbia, Maryland 21045.