In Memory of Paul H. Kempkes, Ph.D.

Obituary

Paul H. Kempkes, Ph.D., a beloved educator, mentor, and lifelong learner, passed away on January 3, 2025, at the age of 91 in New Hartford, New York.

He was born on May 13, 1933, in Yonkers, NY, to Paul and Ingeborg Kempkes, and served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1958. He earned his doctorate in Inorganic Chemistry from Adelphi University, and in 1968 became Professor of Chemistry at Mohawk Valley Community College until earning the title of Professor Emeritus in 1989.

He served as Cub Scout Pack Leader for New Hartford’s Troop 88, among other B.S.A. posts. His community service also included New Hartford Hospice, where he helped organized the Journey Together Group.

Paul was predeceased by his beloved wives, Elsie Goodman and Carol Lally. He is survived by his daughter, Barbara Kempkes Tritz (Thomas), and son, Dr. Paul T. Kempkes (Linda). He also leaves behind his cherished granddaughters, Tami Tritz (Grey) and Alexandra Tritz-Skinner (Morgan), and great-grandson, Rowan Skinner.

Paul will be remembered for his boundless generosity and unwavering dedication to education, touching the lives of countless students. His legacy of curiosity, kindness, and service will live on in all who had known him.

A memorial service will be held May 4, Sunday, at 1:00pm at Friedel, Williams, and Edmunds Funeral Home, 13 Oxford Rd, New Hartford.

Online messages of sympathy may be left at: www.fwefh.com