Obituary of Harry Dempsey

Harry Dempsey, 66, of Mesa, Arizona passed away peacefully moments after the sunset in the presence of his loving family at Hospice of the Valley Dementia Care and Education Campus in Phoenix, Arizona on April 12, 2023, after a resilient journey with early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease. Born on November 23, 1956 in Chelmsford, England. He was raised in a military family and was the oldest of seven siblings.  Harry met his best friend, Pam, in high school in Tucson, Arizona, and they were married on 5/6/78. They moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1986 to raise their family.  Harry worked over 40 years in the Commercial HVAC industry. As an avid University of Arizona, Suns, Diamondbacks and Cardinals fan, his most memorable construction projects included the America West Arena, Bank One Ballpark, as well as various hospitals around the valley. He will be most remembered as being a fun-loving husband, father, and “Super G” to his grandkids. You could often find Harry spending time at sporting events with his kids, helping a neighbor, at the gym, cruising with Harlee, making people laugh, jamming out on his 90’s headset, or renovating his family’s home. Harry enjoyed spending time with his siblings, cousins, and relatives from England as their shared wittiness always led to endless laughter. Some of Harry’s fondest memories included vacations on the beach in San Diego with family and friends. He was always the last one on the beach to watch the sunset. He will be deeply missed and will forever be remembered in our hearts.  He is survived by his loving family: wife Pam Dempsey, son Paul Dempsey, daughters Erin Hook and Katie Barwald, 4 beautiful grandchildren Grayson, Brant, Blake, and Brooklyn, and siblings Maria, Cathy, Teresa, Jimmy, and John.  

Harry always had a desire to be an organ donor. Through Barrow’s Neurological Research Institute, he participated in clinical trials and donated his brain for further research and developing effective treatments in hope of finding a future cure for Alzheimer’s Disease.  

The family will be holding a private celebration of life on Sunday, May 21st. In lieu of flowers, please contribute remembrance donations to the following organizations:  

Hospice of the Valley Dementia Care & Education Campus  

https://dementiacampus.org/donate/ 

Barrow’s Neurological Research Program  

https://giveto.supportbarrow.org/donate-r