Rev. Frederick J. Kempfirl, 85, died peacefully on December 14, 2023 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center.

Born on November 6, 1938 in Manhattan, he was the son of Frederick J. and Minnie Theresa (Nentwich) Kempfirl.

He was ordained a Catholic Priest in 1965 at St. Patrick's Cathedral by Cardinal Francis Spellman. His first assignment was at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Manhattan from 1965-1969, and then he joined the faculty at Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains from 1969-1973. He continued his service as the Chaplain at Montefiore Hospital from 1973-1979, and at Fishkill Correctional Facility from 1979-1982. He came to the Hudson Valley as the Parochial Vicar at St. Denis Church in Hopewell Junction from 1982-1987, and then served at St. James Church in Milton as the Pastor from 1987-2006 and the Administrator from 2006-2013. He had resided at Archcare at Ferncliff Nursing Home in Rhinebeck for several years. Throughout the years, he enjoyed fishing and reading.

In addition to his parents, Father Fred was also predeceased by his sister, Alice Enright. He is survived by his brother-in-law, Patrick Enright.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 9-10am at the Chapel at Archcare at Ferncliff Nursing Home, 21 Ferncliff Road, Rhinebeck. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10am. Interment will follow in the family plot at St. Raymond's Cemetery in the Bronx.