Hermann "Bo" Gempp

Hermann “Bo” Gempp, 88, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2016.

Bo was born in the family home in Warren, RI on December 29, 1927 to Hermann and Margaret (Splain) Gempp.  He was the youngest of 5 siblings.

He spent much of his life on the water. His early years involved fishing in Narragansett Bay, mostly tonging for quahogs and scallops and he sailed for a period of time with the Merchant Marines. He played semi-pro football, was a veteran of the Korean Conflict and a lifelong employee of the Bell System.

Bo was a former active member of the Warren Fire and Rescue Department, a former Block Island Harbormaster, and a member of the Block Island Fire and Rescue Department, the Block Island Harbors Committee, the Block Island Shellfish Commission and the American Legion.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Helen L. (O'Mara) Gempp, his sisters, Margaret and Florence, and his brothers, George and Robert. He is survived by his children, Lisa Sprague, Peter (Laurie) Gempp, Eric (Ellen Foley) Gempp, his grandchildren, Kate, Sara, Abel and Charlie, and his great-grandchildren, Adrian and Axel and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, August 25, 2016 with 12:30 PM graveside service at the Block Island cemetery followed by a reception at the Block Island Maritime Institute.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Block Island Fire and Rescue Department or Block Island Health Services (Medical Center).

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