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Special to The Advocate
Members of the late William T.J. Dempsey’s family, Mayor Gary Christenson, Veterans’ Services Officer Kevin Jarvis, City Council President Steve Winslow and residents attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a switchbox in Linden Square painted in his honor. Bill passed away just before his 100th birthday on June 30 at age 99. The artwork was done by Artist Paige Wallis of Creative Malden. Veterans Services Assistant Martha Ferratusco led the efforts to get the switchbox painted at Linden’s Memorial Square, which was dedicated in honor of Corporal William T.J. Dempsey on Veterans Day in 2023. The four sides of the switchbox were painted to highlight Bill’s life as a longtime educator, philanthropist, hobbyist, magician and proud lifelong Maldonian.
William T.J. “Bill” Dempsey was born in Medford, Mass., on August 19, 1924, to William and Barbara (Walsh) Dempsey and was raised in Malden. He graduated from Boston College High School and enrolled in Boston College in 1942. He registered for the draft at 18 at the completion of his first year at Boston College. On April 12, 1943, Bill received his notice from the Army, and on April 19 he was ordered to report to the train station in Malden along with 30-40 other young men from Malden.
Bill was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his extraordinary heroism, gallantry and valor while fighting against the Germans at Wurzburg, Germany. After World War II, Bill graduated from Boston College and worked for the Malden Public Schools and other school systems for 52 years, and he served as Linden School Principal for 26 years. In 1947, Bill married Teresa M. “Terry” Leary. Together they raised four children: James, Joseph, Mary Ann and Jean.
Every year Bill could be counted on to lead his fellow veterans at Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies, especially when he served as the Commander of the American Legion. Throughout his whole life, Bill has honored his fallen comrades by decorating their graves in all our cemeteries throughout Malden. He is true inspiration and a “true Greatest Generation World War II hero” who has served our city and country, the American Legion and the Kiwanis Club with pride and distinction.
