John R. Dempsey Jr., 70, Enjoyed Classic Cars and Car Shows

He was born on April 29, 1948 in Presque Isle, Maine. At the age of 17 he suffered a motorcycle accident that left him paralyzed and in a wheelchair. He then moved to Lorain where he lived for the remainder of his life. Despite his physical challenges, John was determined to live a productive life. He always said, “God gave me two good hands”. He was a man of vision who believed that nothing would be impossible for him because of his belief in the promises of God, in whom he trusted.

At the age of 11, John began working at potato farms in Maine. After moving to Lorain, he worked for Goodwill Industries, Lorain Metropolitan Housing and Invacare Corporation, where he worked for 13 years. He was a volunteer for Catholic Charities, visiting nursing homes & Easter Seals, repairing medical equipment. He was an usher & greeter at House of Praise Church and loved being around the youth. He was a member of a spinal cord support group and the Lorain County Mayor’s Advocacy Group for the Disabled.

His interests included a love for reading the Word of God, classic cars, going to car shows, being the family mechanic, shooting pool, playing guitar, yard work and repairing electronic appliances.

John and his wife Gisela “Gizzy”, whom he married May 2, 1981, enjoyed taking long country drives & flea markets. In addition to his loving wife, John is survived by his sisters Robin Lassy & Kim Simko; brothers Mike & James Simko and his “in laws” Joe (Judy) Irene, Angela (Louie) Matos, Mary (Pat) White, and Carmen (Bruce) Houseman.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John R. Dempsey, Sr. and Bionella “Bunny” R. Niles.

His family will receive friends on Friday, December 14 from 10 to 11 AM at House of Praise International Church, 4321 Elyria Avenue, Lorain. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 11 AM. Pastor Gilbert Silva and Pastor Mark Hebebrand will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, a monetary blessing to help defray funeral costs would be appreciated.

Funeral arrangements are by Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 East 31st Street, South Lorain (440) 277-8164. For further information and expression of sympathy, please see Reidyfuneral.com.