Stanley Francis Kemp, 81, of New Hartford, passed away Friday, September 18, 2009 at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center in New Hartford with his loving family by his side. Stanley was born in Rome on October 27, 1927, the son of Stanley J. and Alexandra (Radziejewicz) Kemp. Stan spent his childhood in St. John's orphanage in Utica. The only mother he ever knew was Mary Miller, who treated him like her own son. The Kemp family remembers her with affection and gratitude. He was raised and educated in St. Francis de Sales Catholic school in Utica. In 1943, Stan (Kempie) enlisted in the US Navy and served his country for twenty-five years. He served aboard the USS Tidewater, the USS Stickell, the USS Mississippi, and the USS James M. Gilliss, to name a few. In April of 1968, Stan received a letter of commendation for excellent performance of his duties. He retired in 1969 as a Chief Petty Officer, from Patrick Air Force Base in Florida. He went on to work for the US Postal Service in Utica, retiring in 1991 after twenty-two years. On August 9, 1952, Stan married his "girlfriend", Elinor (Lee) Hecox at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Utica. He enjoyed his family and took an active interest in their lives, which included attending his grandchildren's sporting events. He was an avid bowler, smooth dancer, and formidable opponent in chess, ping pong, pool, and cards. His sense of humor and tender-heartedness has guided his family through the years. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he will be dearly missed by his family. Stanley is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Elinor, New Hartford; his sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Manning, Utica; eight children and their spouses, Gail and Thomas Dreimiller, KY, Debra and Mark Potaczala, New Hartford, Gary and Cecile Kemp, TX, Mary Kemp, New Hartford, Steven and Darlene Kemp, Waterville, Jeanne Kelly, Whitesboro, Sandra and Kevin Sheffield, Hamburg, NY, Margaret Nelson, New Hartford; seventeen grandchildren, Jennifer (and Nathan) Cary, Lori (and Richard) Hessick, Christine, Brian (and Danielle), Colleen and Lauren Potaczala, Kristin and Gary Michael Kemp, Shannon and Daniel Kemp, Robert and Matthew Kelly, Eric and Kathryn Sheffield, Alexandra, Elizabeth, and Katherine Nelson; his great grandson, Ethan Cary. He is also survived by his much loved and spoiled dogs, Ginger and Molly. Mr. Kemp's funeral will be held Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Utica where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Whitestown. Relatives and friends may call at the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica on Tuesday from 5 - 8 pm. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may donate to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society in Stanley's memory. Anchors aweigh, Kempie. We love you.