Joseph John Kempka

Joseph John Kempka, 76 years old, passed away at Newton Medical Center Saturday, June 20, 2015 after a long illness.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. to Benedict and Winifred Kempka, he grew up

and lived there for many years before moving to the Glenwood section of Vernon Twp., NJ 42 years ago.

Joseph served with the United States Armed Forces and then worked as a director of operations for Teva Pharmaceuticals in Elmwood Park, N.J., for many years before retiring in 2006. Joseph enjoyed riding his Harley,tinkering with cars, electronics and could always be found working in his yard.

He was known to be very handy and also served as caretaker for Anna Edsall and her property for many years until her death. Joseph is predeceased by a sister, Gertrude Conrad and a niece,

Michelle Yale. He was the beloved husband for 50 years of Christina Kempka (nee Kosek) of Glenwood, N.J. Devoted father of Kimberly Gallucci and her husband, William, of Middletown, N.Y. Dear brother of John Kempka and Wendy McDermott, both of Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Cherished by several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive their friends at Ferguson-Vernon Funeral Home, 241 Route 94 (One Vanderhoof Court for GPS), Vernon, N.J., on Wednesday, June 24, 2015, from 4-7 p.m. Funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Cremation will be private. In lieu of flowers donations and memorial gifts can be made to Helpers 4 Shelters, 64 Academy Ave. Middletown, NY 10940. Information and condolences can be found at www.fergusonvernonfuneralhome.com.