Mr Donald Joseph Kempel

Mr. Donald Joseph Kempel Donald Joseph Kempel of Queenstown, Maryland, passed away on May 20, 2024, at University of Maryland Shock Trauma from a sudden brain injury. He was surrounded by his mother and siblings. Donald was born on December 2, 1958, at Mercy Hospital in Baltimore, MD. He was the oldest son of F. Donald Kempel and Catherine “Cass” Kempel. He spent his childhood in Brooklyn, Maryland with his family and cousins, attending St. Rose of Lima school and parish where he served as an altar boy. He graduated from Southern High School in Baltimore, class of 1977, where he took woodworking and was a member of the wrestling team. Don was a professional house painter and delivery driver, but his first job was at Cedar Hill Florist, which began a lifelong love of plants and flowers. He was a gifted gardener and had a green thumb. In addition to horticulture, Don enjoyed woodworking, hiking with the Mountain Club of Maryland, visiting local farmer’s markets, and taking scenic drives to various places of interest, including historical sites, churches, and looking at Christmas decorations. Don liked beauty in art and nature and photographing it. He liked to keep abreast of current events in politics, sports, and the environment. He enrolled in classes to broaden his knowledge in these areas. He loved to read and had a vast collection of books on many subjects. Don was kind with a good heart, especially for those less fortunate, often making sure that stray animals that came to his door were fed. Although his resources were limited, he donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and sponsored a child in Guatemala. Don liked to buy his family thoughtful, unique gifts and beautiful cards. Don overcame many personal challenges in his life, but he persevered through them, including triple bypass surgery, which he faced with courage and motivation to return quickly to his former activities, including walking several miles a day. Donald Joseph is survived by his mother, Catherine Kempel, and his three siblings, M. Beth Remesch (Ray), Matthew J. Kempel (Kim), and Jill Marie King (Kenny), 18 nieces and nephews,19 great nieces and nephews and his aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased in death by his father, Francis Donald Kempel in 2021. Don will be greatly missed by his family who loved him unconditionally. A visitation will be held at St. Benedict Church, Ridgely, Maryland at 10:00 am. A mass of Christian burial will follow at 11:00 am. Interment will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Cordova, Maryland. All are invited back to St. Benedict Family Life Center for a reception to celebrate Don’s life.

Mr Donald Joseph Kempel

December 2, 1958 - May 20, 2024