Joseph Allen Kempf, 77 of Holly Hill, FL passed away peacefully with his family by his side February 6, 2018 at Florida Memorial Hospital. Joe was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 31, 1940. He served in the Navy on the USS Little Rock from 1957 – 1961. After leaving the Navy he resided in Binghamton, New York until 1973 moving to Holly Hill residing until his death. He worked at Total Comfort Air for over 20 years. From early childhood he was a musician singing and playing guitar. He played at social clubs in New York and Florida with his band Deep South performing 50’s, 60’s, and country music. In 1977 he joined the Florida National Guard Btry. C 1/265th ADA Daytona Beach until retiring at the rank of Staff Sergeant in 1995. He was called to active duty numerous times including the Mariel Boatlift in Miami and Hurricanes David and Andrew. He was a member of the American Legion Post 120 Holly Hill, USS Little Rock Assoc., and a Past President of Holly Hill Eagles 4033. He enjoyed reading, boating, fishing, and riding motorcycles and was a former member of the Daytona Beach HOG Assoc. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Lillian Kempf, brother Rusty, and daughter Cindy Vermilya. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years Sylvia (Sue) Kempf, son Brian Vermilya (Cheryl), daughter Kelly McCabe (John), granddaughters Jessica, Taylor, Jenna, and great grandson Chase, brothers Jerry, Tom, Terry, brother in laws Doug and Tim Slater and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be at Dale Woodward Funeral Home, 167 Ridgewood Avenue, Holly Hill Saturday February 17th, at 10:00 a.m. followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
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