Gerald W. Hemphill Sr., 89; World War II Navy Veteran; SNET Retiree

From The Ahern Funeral Home.

Gerald W. Hemphill Sr., 89, of Unionville, beloved husband of Vera (Pyle) Hemphill, to whom he was married to for 68 ½ years, passed away peacefully Friday, Aug. 15, 2014 at his home.

Born in Newburg Junction, New Brunswick, Canada, on July 3, 1925, he was the son of the late Clarence S. and Arvilla M. (Patterson) Hemphill.

He resided in Farmington for 58 years and Unionville for the last nine years. Prior to retiring, Gerald was employed by SNETCO for 32 years. He was the Owner-Manager of the Shady Grove Tourist Court and Wee-One Restaurant in Farmington. He was a United States Navy veteran of World War II and a member of the Frederick-Franklin Lodge #14 in Plainville. Gerald was a longtime member of the First Church of Christ, Congregational in Farmington. He was a founding member of the American Radio Relay Insurance City Repeater Club and was an avid camper (FMCA).

Besides his wife, he is survived by his two children and their spouses, Jo-Anne E. and William Smeltz of Springfield, MA and Gerald W. and Roberta Hemphill Jr. of Bristol; nine grandchildren, Sabrina Smeltz-Folsom, Kelley Smeltz, Jillyan Smeltz, Sarah Smeltz, Jennifer Schwecherl Hemphill, Jeremy Hemphill, Lauren Valuckas, John B. Valuckas and Sharon Woinski; seven great-granddaughters, two great-grandsons and three nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Diane H. Valuckas and his sister, Ethel A. Smith.

Friends may call at The Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main St., Rt. 4, Unionville on Saturday, Aug. 23, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Funeral services will be held in The Ahern Funeral Home at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Steven Savides officiating. The Masonic Ritual will follow the service. Burial with full military honors will be in Riverside Cemetery, Farmington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.