Daniel J. Kemp, 62

Albany, NY - Daniel J. Kemp, 62, of Albany, NY, passed away suddenly on December 17, 2020. Dan was born on May 17, 1958 in Hornell, NY and was raised in Wellsville, NY. He graduated from Wellsville High School, Corning Community College, and Buffalo State, earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He served as a police officer in Wellsville, a corrections officer at Danbury CT Federal Correctional Institution, and as a U.S. Marshall. After Dan left law enforcement, he co-founded the real estate firm of Kemp and Gallagher in Albany, NY, and later had successful careers in sales and property management. 

“Danny” will be fondly remembered as a man that loved to laugh, with a personality as big as his smile. It was absolute and infectious. Dan was a kind and gentle person, who loved to tell funny stories – of which, he had many! Whether he was reflecting on time spent with family and friends (particularly in Wellsville and on Loon Lake) or making new memories in the moment, Dan held a distinctly special way of connecting with people.

More than anything else, he spent his time talking – to anyone who’d listen – about his two sons, Tim & Bill, whom he loved fiercely. Nothing made him happier than spending time with his boys, especially during the holidays. He most notably spent that time discussing his (alleged) scratch handicap, his most recent take on the Buffalo Bills and without fail, how “unbelievably proud” he was of each of them. 

Dan was predeceased by his father, Kenneth D. “Bud” Kemp; stepfather, John Robarts; brother-in-law, Damon Lawrence; sister-in-law, Karen Kemp. He is survived by his children, Timothy Kemp; William (Rachel) Kemp. He is also survived by his mother, Martha Robarts. Dan is survived by his siblings, Ken Kemp; Liz Lawrence; Cathy (Chris) Weinman. He also leaves behind the many members of the “Goober Club,” including nieces Sadie Dexter, Abby Lawrence, and Jehna Kemp; nephews Brandon Lawrence and Matt Kemp.

Dan will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville, NY in the spring of 2021, which will be arranged by Embser’s Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers or donations, his family asks those reading to reach out to your family, friends, or even a lost connection, simply to say hello. During a time where so many are searching for hope or joy, a phone call or letter may be exactly what they need. 

Cheers, Danny. You will be forever in our hearts. To leave online condolences, please visit  www.embserfuneralhome.com.