Paul Leslie Kemp Jr. 83, a lifelong resident of Greenfield, MA. passed peacefully in the comfort of his home on Friday, July 23, 2021
Paul was born the son of the late Avis E. (Canedy) and Paul L. Kemp Sr. on February 15, 1938, in Greenfield. He was educated locally and graduated from Greenfield High School class of 1956. He went on in his studies and attended the University of Massachusetts earning a Bachelor’s Degree. He then went on to study at Boston University and attained a Master’s Degree of Social Work class of 1963.
On March 31, 1960, Paul exchanged vows with June A. Grant at the First Baptist Church in Greenfield. They were married with family and friends in attendance and have been married for sixty-one years.
Paul worked for a few years at the Farren Care Center in Montague as a social worker after retiring from a fulfilling career at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Leeds. He was employed for thirty years as a social worker working with veterans in need. As time progressed, he accepted the position of Assistant Director of Social Work at the VA.
He lived a very fulfilling life. He enjoyed his time working in his flower and vegetable gardens. He was a technology buff and loved to work on computers by exploring the newest technology as well as fixing them when problems arose. As time went on he studied the art of programming and building the latest and greatest machines. In his earlier days, Paul could be found riding his Honda Motorcycle, hiking the region, being with nature was something he found joy in. The Kemps hosted children by means of the ” Fresh Air Program”, they would also host patients from the VA for family meals and picnics in the back yard. Paul enjoyed the opportunity to give back to others wherever he could. One of the many ways he did so was through his active 58-year membership in the First Baptist Church of Greenfield for many years until its closing in October 2008. As time went on, he became very involved with the Franklin County Relay for Life, which became his passion. Mostly, Paul was a loving and nurturing husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great grandfather. One of the most memorable things about Paul would be when he was caught taking a cat nap. Someone would say “dad’s sleeping” and he would open one eye, smile, and say ” I’m just resting my eyes” which would make everyone in the room laugh.
Mr. Kemp is survived by his wife, June A. Kemp of Greenfield. His four children and their spouses: Michael A. Kemp and his wife, Carolyn, of Sarasota, FL., Sharon G. Kemp of Gill, Marcia B. Miller and her husband, Jeffrey, of Leyden and Lisa E. McKenna and her husband, Tristan, of Montague. He leaves a sister, Margaret “Peggy” McAndrews of Erving. In addition, Paul is survived by eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
In keeping with Paul’s wishes, there were no calling hours. A private family burial was held on Thursday, July 29, 2021, at North Meadows Cemetery, Colrain Rd. Greenfield. The family is planning to have a Celebration of Life at a future date to remember Paul.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in memory of Paul L. Kemp Jr. to:
Franklin County Relay for Life
C/O American Cancer Society
111 Founders Plaza
Ste. 200, East Hartford, CT. 06108.
All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home and Crematories, 46 S. Winchester St. Swanzey, NH. 03446. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com
