Donald J. Dempsey

Donald J. Dempsey, 79, passed away September 18, 2021 in Akron after many years of declining health. Don was born September 27, 1941 in Lakewood, Ohio to Fred and Ellaree (Chittock) Dempsey and grew up in Bay Village. He graduated from Bay High School in 1960.

Don attended Rio Grande College and later transferred to Columbia School of Broadcasting in Chicago, where he met his wife of 42 years, Karen Schauland. They were married November 16, 1963. With a deep, distinctive voice and a flair for the theatrical, Don worked as a DJ and Program Director for several northeast Ohio radio stations, including WFMJ in Youngstown, WJW in Cleveland, and WSLR and WHLO in Akron. He was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, a member of the Broadcasters Hall of Fame, and enjoyed music, movies, and sports.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and wife. He is survived and will be missed by his daughter and son-in-law, Jane and Kurt Gramlich; cousins, Bruce and Gerry Chittock, Bonnie Laux, Barbara Coutts, and Jack Olson; extended relatives and friends; and companion Sarah Berner.

His family is grateful for the care he received at The Merriman, Crossroads Hospice, and from all of his caregivers over the years.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 2 PM at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1361 W. Market St., Akron , OH 44313. Private burial will be at Standing Rock Cemetery in Kent, OH.

Please share your thoughts and condolences by visiting his Tribute Wall above.