RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Reverend Richard J. Dempsey has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 83; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, The Reverend Richard J. Dempsey was a widely admired member of the religious community; and
WHEREAS, The son of a Chicago police officer, the Reverend Richard J. Dempsey was raised in St. Cajetan's Parish in Beverly-Morgan Park; and
WHEREAS, The Reverend Richard J. Dempsey spent much of his youth playing basketball and other sports at Kennedy Park at 118th Street and Western Avenue; and
WHEREAS, The Reverend Richard J. Dempsey was called from an early age to join the priesthood and completed his studies at Mundelein Seminary; and
WHEREAS, The Reverend Richard J. Dempsey was assigned to Our Lady of Grace and St. Sebastian parishes; and
WHEREAS, The Reverend Richard J. Dempsey served as a Chaplain in the United States Navy from 1967 to 1990 and rose to the rank of Captain; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure as a military chaplain, the Reverend Richard J. Dempsey ministered to Marines during the Vietnam War and organized support groups for families whose spouses and parents were on tours of duty; and
WHEREAS, The Reverend Richard J. Dempsey was also posted to Okinawa, Japan, the Philippines, Great Lakes Naval Air Station outside Chicago and at the Recruit Depot in San Diego: and
WHEREAS, The Reverend Richard J. Dempsey inspired the fictional character Father Ace McNamara created by the best-selling author Reverend Andrew Greeley; and
WHEREAS, The Reverend Richard J. Dempsey was later assigned to Holy Family Parish in North Chicago, St. Victor Parish in Calumet City and Most Holy Redeemer Parish in Evergreen Park; and
WHEREAS, The holiness, sacrifice and dedication of the Reverend Richard J. Dempsey serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, The Reverend Richard J. Dempsey will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his many r...
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