LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of John K. Gempler, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, John K. Gempler, a lifelong resident of Kenoza Lake, New
York, died on March 17, 2016, at the age of 73; born on August 12, 1942,
he was the son of John H. Gempler and Mary Keery Gempler; and
WHEREAS, The life of John K. Gempler was as varied and interesting as
were his stories about his childhood and family, his love of people, his
hearty laugh and his dedication to his professional careers; and
WHEREAS, John K. Gempler distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, After attending Cornell University, John K. Gempler began
dairy farming on his farm located in Bethel, New York; it was there in
1969, the history making Woodstock concerts were performed in his front
yard; and
WHEREAS, Leaving the farming business, John K. Gempler began his
illustrious career with the Callicoon Cooperative Insurance Company; he
was first elected to the Board of Directors of the company in 1972, and
assumed the position of Assistant Secretary just one year later; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, in 1985, he was also elected treasurer and held
both offices until his retirement in 2007, after 31 years of distin-
guished service managing the company; and
WHEREAS, John K. Gempler joined the Jeff Bank Board of Directors in
1981, and following his election, was named Secretary of the Jeff Bank
Board of Directors in 1986, a position he devoted countless hours to for
nearly 35 years; and
WHEREAS, With a commitment to excellence, John K. Gempler's spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Active in the insurance industry statewide, John K. Gempler
served as the president of the New York Insurance Alliance in 1986, and
was a member of the Finger Lakes Insurance Council; he was also a
committeeman for the Cornell Cooperative Extension for more than 40
years, as well as treasurer of the Kenoza Lake Fire District; and
WHEREAS, In addition, this esteemed man was a member of the American
British White Park Association, the New York Beef Producers Association
and the Pennsylvania Livestock Association; and
WHEREAS, John K. Gempler is survived by his wife of 40 years, Lori;
three children, Susan (David), David (Robin), and Joy (James); seven
grandchildren, Jason, Michael, Jimmy, Erin, Todd, Justin and Kaitlyn;
and nine great-grandchildren, Ryan, Marcella, Tanner, Alexis, Hailey,
Hannah, Hunter, Isabella and T.J.; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, John K. Gempler leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of John K. Gempler, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of John K. Gempler.