Who is John C. Dempsey
Dempsey Middle School was named in memory of John C. Dempsey (1914 – 1997), former chairman of Greif Bros. Corporation, community leader, husband, father and friend. John Dempsey attended John Carroll University on a football scholarship, earned his degree and became a certified public accountant.
John Dempsey joined the Greif Bros. Corporation in 1946 as secretary and by 1947 was elected Chairman of the Board. He relocated the company to Delaware in 1951. Corporate headquarters – until 1998 – was located at the site of Dempsey Middle School.
According to many in the Delaware Community, John Dempsey was a kind gentleman who gave of himself freely and without any expectations. He gave generously to numerous social services organizations, youth, families in need and the Delaware City Schools. His only request of those on the receiving end of his generosity was that no publicity or mention of his gifts be made public. His only desire in giving was to help others in need. Throughout his career, his virtues were exhibited through his involvement in and support of countless organizations – always anonymously – locally and throughout the world.
John Dempsey was known for his ready smile, dry wit, conservative business philosophy and sense of fairness to all. He was a moral force in the development of many worthwhile community endeavors in the Delaware community.
Although his leadership helped to transform Greif’s wooden barrel and keg business to its present status of the broadest range of bulk shipping containers in the country, John Dempsey always took time to listen to people – regardless of their position in society. He found teachable moments in every opportunity.
He was a living legend, an exemplary teacher and scholar, and a gentleman in every sense of the word. By naming the new middle school in his memory, the School Board hopes students will be inspired to follow in John Dempsey’s footsteps.
~ From the John C. Dempsey Middle School Dedication Program, September 12, 2000