Trending
The years 1987 to 2000 may seem a distant memory for some, but for those who knew and worked with the late-Tom Dempsey, they are like yesterday.
That may be because of what Dempsey, who recently passed away at age 93, was able to accomplish for Greater Williamsport in the 83rd Legislative District in the House of Representatives.
First of all, there is longevity.
Thomas W. "Tom" Dempsey Sr.'s service marked the longest tenure of any member of the House of Representatives in its history, where his devotion to his district was evident by his record of attendance and contributions.
"Tom would always return phone calls and, when the House was in session, he would be there," said Andi Koch, his legislative aide during those years.
"Lycoming County lost a true public service giant," said Steven W. Cappelli.
Cappelli met Dempsey while he was Lycoming County prothonotary and the Republican nominee for a special election to fill the 83rd Legislative District seat vacated by the death of Rep. Anthony Cimini.
Enamored by Dempsey's demeanor and with political aspirations of his own, Cappelli volunteered with Dempsey's campaign. So began a friendship and mentorship.
Lycoming County District Attorney Tom Marino said Dempsey helped him in his initial campaign to become district attorney.
Marino was right out of law school when he said Dempsey got him involved in the Republican party.
"He gave a lot of wise guidance," Marino said, which led to a career in law enforcement and justice and eventually into the world of politics.
In 2001, when President George W. Bush attended the Little League World Series, Marino said Dempsey arranged for him to have a private meeting with Bush, as Marino was up for nomination to be the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
"He helped me cut my teeth," said Marino, who did become the U.S. Attorney.
He used many of his counseling sessions during his tenure fighting white collar crime, as well as while serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Cappelli, too, was a recipient of Dempsey's "sound counsel and advice," earning his admiration and respect.
Dempsey served as honorary chairman for Cappelli in 1995 in his first campaign for Williamsport mayor.
In 2000, Dempsey chaired Cappelli's campaign in the race to replace him in the state House of Representatives.
"Tom never forgot his friends or failed to lend support to those he believed in," Cappelli said.
On election night in November of 2000, Dempsey pulled Cappelli aside and challenged him not to try and fill his shoes in Harrisburg, but rather, "to find a pair that fit me and achieve my own results on behalf of our citizens."
Considered principled but a straight-shooter, Dempsey represented the citizens of the district and Lycoming County with integrity and many of his legislative accomplishments still benefit the region to this day -- part of the reason 1987 to 2000 doesn't feel so distant for those who knew him.
In a statement, Pennsylvania College of Technology noted how, as an institution, it was saddened to learn of the passing of the retired state representative.
Dempsey had served on the college's Board of Directors. He was among the legislators supporting Williamsport Area Community College's affiliation with Pennsylvania State University, culminating in the creation of Pennsylvania College of Technology in 1989.
Dempsey received the College Service Award in 2000, in recognition of meritorious service. He also had previously served on the college's Corporate Advisory Board.
"Rep. Dempsey was a public servant in the truest sense. He will be missed by all," the college stated.
A 1948 graduate of Williamsport Area High School, Dempsey attended Lycoming College.
For eight years, Dempsey was county prothonotary and clerk of courts. He was vice president of the state Prothonotary and Clerks Association.
While serving the 83rd District, Dempsey served as chair of the bipartisan Third Class Cities Caucus and was twice voted Outstanding Legislator of the Year by the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities.
Dempsey played an integral role in securing support for the expansion of the Little League Baseball World Series and in the development of Volunteer Stadium, the second of two world-renowned stadiums on the league's international complex.
Dempsey was a respected scholastic basketball and football official, having been enshrined in the West Branch Valley Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and the Bethune Douglas Sports Hall of Fame. Dempsey was instrumental in helping secure state funding for the major improvements to Bowman Field that took place in 2000.
In 2001, Dempsey was awarded the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Lycoming College.
When he retired, after serving seven terms as a member of the state House of Representatives, he was recognized for having served on the House Finance Committee, the Sub-Committee on Tax Reform, House Insurance Committee and House Urban Affairs committees. He was chairman of the Sub-Committee on Third Class Cities and co-chairman of the Third Class Caucus and House Labor Relations Committee.
Strong in his faith, Dempsey was also a life member of the Knights of Columbus and belonged to St. Ann Catholic Church. He was said to have "stalled" a career in insurance to serve his constituents.
That much was recognized by former Williamsport Mayor Phil Preziosi, who became mayor in 1992, who said Dempsey was a good politician, but more than that he was a good friend. "He and Nina were the best of friends with Carmella and I," Preziosi said of he and his wife and the Dempseys.
"He was the epitome of a person there to represent the people," Preziosi said. "That is so important today. Too many are there for their own glory. He was there for the district, our city and his constituents.
"He was a great man. A family man and full of faith. I always had the greatest respect for him," he said.