Bethel Middle School Teacher Pete Kemp, 67, Passed Away

Bethel, CT — Pete Kemp, long time Bethel resident, 67, died in Tampa, Florida on Monday, May 16, 2016. He was the son of the late Willard Henry and Eleanor Frances Kemp who both predeceased him.

Pete was a nationally recognized industrial arts teacher at Bethel Middle School - where he taught for over 30 years. He grew up in Stamford, Connecticut where his family has lived for generations.

He joined the Navy when he was 17 and In the Navy he was assigned to the U. S. Naval Security Group Command (NAVSECGRU) and was tasked with "intelligence gathering and denial of intelligence to adversaries." This special group has now been decommissioned.

When he moved to Bethel he joined the Bethel Office of Civil Defense, now known as the Office of Emergency Management, which works with the Department of Homeland Security. When he retired in 2001 he was the Assistant Director of Emergency Management for Bethel, Connecticut. He started in emergency communications working in Stamford's Civil Defense Office in 1964.

Kemp was retired from the Bethel, Connecticut, Public Schools where he was an industrial arts teacher for over 30 years. He had also served as an adjunct faculty member at Central Connecticut State University.

Professionally, Mr. Kemp received his Bachelor of Science degree in Technology Education, a Master of Science degree in Educational Media, and a Professional Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Educational Administration and Curriculum Development. He was named Herb S. Brier Volunteer Instructor of the Year and Professional Teacher of the Year — the only person to receive both ARRL honors. He also was a recipient of the Marconi Award, presented to him by Senator Barry Goldwater, from the Veteran Wireless Operators of America, and he was named Connecticut's Technology Teacher of the Year. Kemp was the League's first Educational Advisor.

He was proud of his family heritage in Connecticut where the family has lived since the 1600s. In addition to his military service his niece, father, brothers, uncles, and grandfathers all served in the military. Sixteen of his ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War and a dozen came over on the Mayflower. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Mayflower Society.

He is survived by his brothers, Thomas (and Vi) Kemp of East Hampton, Robert Kemp of Stamford, and Bill (and Luisa) Kemp of Stamford; as well as his nieces and nephews, Andrew, Sarah, Chris, Laura, Billy, Kelly and Dennis Kemp; and numerous cousins. He will be buried with his parents at the Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, Connecticut 11 am, Saturday, July 2, 2016.