Stephen Kempf Jr Obituary

"Stephen J. Kempf Jr. of Berkeley Twsp. Passed away September 4, 2023 at Community Medical Center, Toms River, NJ. Steve was intimately involved in the field of public safety holding positions where he directed offsite emergency preparedness activities for Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station and later at the engineering firm of Mott, Hatch \u0026amp; McDonald. Prior to his retirement, Steve served as Regional Director for FEMA's Regional II office under the Department of Homeland Security where he oversaw operations in New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands holding top level meetings with other FEMA officials including the then President of the United States, George H. W. Bush. Steve was a lifelong member of the Breton Woods Fire Department where he served with distinction for many years rising to the level of Fire Commissioner. It was with the Fire Department when he was injured in 1976 which cause him to experience many years of rehabilitation and recuperation from his injuries. During this time Steve participated in the Para-Olympics capturing a Gold and Silver Medals in archery and shotput competitions. Steve's on-going recuperation prompted him to return to playing his guitar and singing/performing. Other interests included the Model Railroaders Club, Vintage Buick Club, and the Big Brothers of America Club where he mentored and supported youths from around the area. Steve and his first wife, Rosemary, were active members at St. Luke's Church, Toms River, and previous to that, St. Dominic's in Brick. He further professed and enhanced his faith by his active membership in the Knights of Columbus, and as a U. S. Navy veteran, joined The American Legion supporting his veteran brothers and sisters. He loved to be funny and sarcastic, cracking jokes and being part of shenanigans with his brothers and friends. Although his injuries remained with him for his lifetime, he never allowed them to limit his flair for having fun, traveling, or his passion for helping others. Steve was predeceased by his first wife, Rosemary, after 48 happy years of marriage. He later found love again with his marriage to Danielle Toutoux for the remaining six years of his life. As a citizen of France, Danielle would return to France regularly and sadly passed away herself while in France recuperating from surgery. Steve is survived by his brothers, John Kempf and his wife Josephine, and Bill Kempf and his wife Eileen. He leaves behind his nieces Donna Kempf, Christine Spurling and Carey Hart, Toni Guzman and Judy Vaughan, and his nephews Jason Kempf and Matthew Kempf, and numerous great and grand nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial is Pending, more information to follow. Silverton Memorial Funeral Home 2482 Church Rd. , Toms River is in charge of the arrangements. "