Michael John Dempster, 70, made his grand exit from life’s stage on March 10, 2024, in New Port Richey, Florida. Born in the Philadelphia naval shipyard on June 11, 1953, Dad traded his earthly home plate for one in the sky, no doubt arguing calls with the angels.
After bravely donning the green and serving in the US Army from 1974 to 1976, Mike honed his skills off-field as a Government Marine Machinery Mechanic, an occupation that was more than just nuts and bolts to him. An alumnus of West Hamilton High School and Bates College, his mind was as sharp as the cleats he used to coach in.
Mike was a dedicated individual who found joy in volunteering and helping others. He was a beloved father, former husband, and cherished grandfather. Mike’s passion for sports led him to coach and officiate games, always showing unwavering support for his children and grandchildren. He was known for his love of music, cars, and spending time watching his grandchildren participate in sports. Mike was the volunteer coach every kid wished they had, the type who’d argue with the umpire, not because he was passionate about the game, but because his kids were picking daisies instead of catching fly balls. As he matured from the coach/chaperone who let the boys sneak out on band trips to the dignified official of ‘select’ baseball tournaments, Mike displayed the grace of a seasoned athlete who knew all the plays by heart.
Life’s bleachers will be a little emptier without Mike, who leaves behind a team of loved ones including his first round draft picks Danielle and William Carter, and Christopher Dempster; and his rookie line up of LeighAnn and Sean, Alexander, Ryker, Mason, and little slugger Asher Michael Dempster, who will all miss their grand-slam Grandpa. His supporting roster of siblings Albert Jr (Butch) and Anne, Thomas, Donna, Jay and Denise, and a league of nieces and nephews who adored him; his former wife Martine M. Dempster will also feel his absence deeply. Mike’s pre-game show was cheered on by his parents, Albert and Helen Dempster, who surely taught him the fundamentals.
Details for Mike’s hall-of-fame-worthy celebration of life are in the works, Jersey Style! Reaching out to all teammates, coaches, and fans. It’s shaping up to be less of a mournful moment and more of a playoffs party. Keep an eye out for the announcement—it’s sure to be the highlight reel of reminiscing, complete with cheers and chuckles, just bring your best stories and a love for the game. Swing for the fences, Dad. You’ve earned your home run trot.
Dobies Crematory of Holiday, Florida, is warming up in the bullpen to assist the family with arrangements.
Dani
March 14, 2024, 7:27 pm
Miss you so much already dad! <3
Jane
March 14, 2024, 8:40 pm
Dearest Mike. What you and our graduating class of 1971 did for my sweet David and I is amazing. You built a ramp for us. I cant tell you how many times the emergency squad blessed you for it when taking David to hospital. I will always love you for all you’ve done. Heaven surely gained an angel. God Bless your family. The loss of you is tremendous.
Jane Melton
March 14, 2024, 8:40 pm
Dearest Mike. What you and our graduating class of 1971 did for my sweet David and I is amazing. You built a ramp for us. I cant tell you how many times the emergency squad blessed you for it when taking David to hospital. I will always love you for all you’ve done. Heaven surely gained an angel. God Bless your family. The loss of you is tremendous.
Bob Maurer
March 14, 2024, 8:46 pm
Sincere condolences to all of Mike’s many friends and family. His company and laughter will be sorely missed and remembered at our Hearts games.
Jacqueline Aust
March 14, 2024, 8:54 pm
RIP Michael. Growing up together in the Dempster Family and enjoying the Big family picnics. Fond memories. Love from your cousin Jackie.
Cyrese Sciandra
March 14, 2024, 10:32 pm
Mike we were friends in Highschool and we always had alot of laughs and conversations. I’m grateful for the messages we shared on Facebook. You were a wonderful and kind person. You will be missed.
Joyce Hopkins
March 14, 2024, 10:34 pm
Sincere condolences for Mike’s family, he will be greatly missed!
Gunner j hnatuk
March 15, 2024, 12:07 am
RIP Mike. Had alot of great times with you. Your a great guy and wish I could of said goodbye. You always treated sarah and I like family.
Tim Goodwin
March 15, 2024, 12:34 am
I know that two angels came to take his soul to a better resting place. Rest in peace my friend
Deb Harvey
March 15, 2024, 1:13 am
From St. Raphael’s to Grice to Hamilton West – always laughing, joking, smiling, living life large. I can’t even begin to tell you how much you’ll be missed by everyone who knew you. Rest peacefully friend. My sincere sympathy to the Dempster family.
Donna Schiavone Arter
March 15, 2024, 2:10 am
One of a kind and so happy to have been in the same place at the same time. Thanks, Cuz.
Donna Dempster Embley
March 15, 2024, 2:11 am
Dani, Christopher and Martine.
What a beautiful obituary. I’m sure Michael would be very pleased knowing his obituary was very uplifting. My sincere condolences and sympathy to everyone in your family. I will miss my brother and may he rest in peace, and be with Mom and Dad now.
Bridgett cooper mares
March 15, 2024, 4:06 am
Just talked to you last week. We enjoyed many years of baseball together and you will b very missed. Thank you for all the laughs thru the yrs. Love bridgett cooper mares
Angel Crull
March 15, 2024, 5:33 am
The Crull/Sloan/Dempster house miss you so much! Your grandson that I was lucky enough to be blessed with will always know what a caring fun loving guy you were. I already see a lot of your qualities in him and I am sorry you didn’t get to see him play baseball. We love you until we see you again. RIP and fly high!
wayne Danka
March 15, 2024, 3:34 pm
A great teammate and friend. My heart felt sympathy for Mike’s family. He was part of one of the greatest group of brothers ever to walk the halls of HHSW. Everyone always wanted Mike on their team.
Diana Nucaso Goodwin
March 15, 2024, 4:25 pm
We met at St. Raphael school, but I didn’t get to know Michael until I married Tim. He stayed with us when he was on the road, passing through NJ, then while visiting “up north” when he moved to Florida. I knew him then as a fun-loving, sweet guy, but have heard all the stories from Tim and Walter Curtis! He was not very forthcoming about how sick he really was, but we all knew things weren’t good when he came up after the holidays – it felt like he was saying goodbye. He will be sorely missed. My condolences to the Dempster family. 💔
Cheryl Bartolomucci
March 16, 2024, 4:39 am
Mike, you were just a wonderful person who was always there to lend a hand helping everyone. I am so glad that I got to know and love you as a very close friend. I will truly miss having you in my life. Rip my nearest friend, you will be truly missed. All my love Mike. ❤️❤️❤️
Steve Rauchut
March 16, 2024, 3:37 pm
Sincere condolences to my neighbor Tom and family.
Sammy Soriero
March 19, 2024, 6:08 pm
Friends with Mike for 65 years. Always together as kids. Baseball, sledding, skating, from dawn to dusk. Later partying in Florida, cruising and just having a great fun time everytime. This man was a one in a million friend and will always bring a smile to my face with every thought of him. Will be truly missed🥲
Shawn P
June 11, 2024, 2:20 pm
Well old man we had a pretty good run a few years back. The Machinery Doctor taught took time to teach me about machinery, exposed me to being a running a business, and even took me out for my first “hard pop”. Good memories of hanging out with “Dumpy”; Force Ten from Tacoma, Shop 06 East side Badboyz, traveling to tournaments, whipping butt in the shipyards A, AA, and AAA divisions, traveling to work on hundreds of carpet/vinyl racks, UHP trips to Hawaii and Guam. We had some good times.