Obituary of Gerald Lorenzo Hempstead

Gerald “Dick” Lorenzo Hempstead, 81, passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2024 surrounded by his beloved family. He was born on February 19, 1943 in Catskill, NY to the late Gerald V. and Helen (nee Decker) Hempstead.

Dick was an avid outdoorsman who especially enjoyed hunting and long-range shooting. His woods survival skills were very knowledgeable and fascinating, a trait he would pass down to those he loved. A car ride over the mountain was always a favorite pass time and after moving north it became a weekly adventure that included his son Tyrel and Tyrel’s dog Copper. He was a life member of the Middleburgh Gun Club.

He charted his fishing boat, Salamon Fever on Lake Champlain, and later Lake Ontario. Captain Dick was calm behind the wheel, even in a storm.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Linda (nee McDermott); his children, Lauri (Robert) Motschmann, Carrie Unser and Tyrel (Eryn Dumoulin) Hempstead; his grandchildren, Megan (Keith) Simmons, Brandon (Jaimee) Motschmann, Loren (Zachary) Doherty, Kylei (TJ) Reoun, Michael (Brittany Ambrosino) Diamond , Conor Unser, Cameron Kenny, Tyler Lally, Makynley Hempstead, Hunter and Layla Dumoulin; eleven great grandchildren; his sister Terry Shrader and sister-in-law Linda Hempstead; several nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents he was predeceased by his children Richard Scott and Sherri Lee; his brothers Frank (Helen) and Steven Hempstead.

A graveside service will take place in the Spring at Knox Cemetery. A reception will follow at Gallupville Gospel Church.