Our Hall of Famer, Ed Dempsey

Senator Suzi Oppenheimer named Edward T. Dempsey to the New York Senate Veterans Hall of Fame May 22. The award recognizes veterans for exceptional service in both the military and the community. It pays tribute to those individuals whose sacrifice and service have helped make our nation and our community better places to live.

 

Dempsey, a lifelong Rye resident, served in the Army Air Corps from 1941 to 1945, assigned to the Fire Brigade that stood ready to deal with possible air crashes. After an honorable discharge, his passion for serving his country led him to a career in public service.

 

In 1946, Dempsey served as a volunteer firefighter with the Milton Engine & Hose Company, later becoming a professional firefighter. After 35 years with the company, he retired from the Rye Fire Department in 1981. He served as president of the Rye Recreation Senior Club and committee chairman of Rye Boy Scout Troop #1. Continuing his community service, Dempsey coached Rye Little League for over 20 years and helped run the Little League Parade.

 

For three years, he served as Commander of American Legion Post 128 in Rye, and later received their Americanism Award. His many contributions to the community were recognized when he was inducted into the Westchester Senior Citizens Hall of Fame in 2003.

 

“Edward Dempsey is an outstanding example of what it means to serve one’s country,” said Senator Oppenheimer. “He has dedicated his life to the betterment of our nation and our community. Ed is justly deserving of this distinction and I am honored to acknowledge his distinguished service.”

 

Following the event, Dempsey and his family received a tour of the Capitol from Senator Oppenheimer, Assemblyman George Latimer, and former Rye mayor and Oppenheimer chief of staff, Steve Otis.

Engagements

McGee — Chianese

 

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Chianese are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Meagan Marie to Tobin Patrick McGee, son of Dr. and Mrs. James McGee of Rye.

 

The future bride is a graduate of Joseph Case High School and Bristol Community College. She is currently employed as a certified coding specialist at Lexicode.

 

The future groom is a graduate of Rye High School and Worchester Polytechnic Institute. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering and is currently employed as a semiconductor engineer at IBM.

 

The couple will be married in April in Palm Island, Florida.

A Very Special Anniversary

 

Gilmer and Laura Jeanne Totten celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary June 18.

 

They raised twelve children while living in Rye and Port Chester for over 20 years; the children graduated from local area schools including Rye High, Resurrection, and Holy Child. 

 

Currently residing in Middletown, Connecticut, the Tottens are also blessed with twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.