George J. Kempinski “Rx” August 24, 2026

George J. Kempinski passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Born in Wilkes Barre on September 17, 1931, to George and Mary (Witek) Kempinski, he was the last surviving sibling among his five brothers and sisters.

After graduating from Hanover Area High School, George enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served honorably in the Korean War from 1951 to 1954. During his service he achieved the rank of Sergeant and earned various medals including his Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification badge, and the Bronze Star with Valor for meritorious service and heroism in combat. While he rarely talked about it, George was very proud of his military service. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1954.

George married the former Christine (Tina) Steve on August 20, 1955. They celebrated their 70th anniversary last August.

After earning his degree from Brooklyn College of Pharmacy, George began his pharmacy career. Eventually, he and Tina would open their first store in Plymouth in 1967, which they later relocated to Hanover Township at the Crossroads. In addition to the pharmacy, the business offered a full-service floral and gift store. In 1977, they built an even larger store and once again relocated the business, where Crossroads Pharmacy, Floral, and Gifts became a popular, customer-friendly operation for many years.

George was a member of Exaltation of The Holy Cross Church in Buttonwood. A devout Catholic, George frequently attended various other area churches where he developed several close friendships, including a close-knit group who enjoyed many post-Mass meals together. For many years he maintained memberships in The American Legion & VFW, Hanover Township Lions Club, where he was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship for outstanding service, and he was a 3rd Degree Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus Council 984, Plymouth and a 4th Degree Honorary Life Member of the Bishop William J. Hafey Assembly 925 Knights of Columbus, Wilkes-Barre.

George loved golf and had many great times and experiences on the golf course. He and Tina enjoyed over 25 winters as residents and members of Heritage Palms golf community in Fort Myers, FL. George was a member of Berwick Golf Club for over 20 years and was one of the longest tenured fixtures at Wyoming Valley Country Club, with 55 years of membership, where he was known simply as “Rx.”

Among the many things that George will be remembered for is his constant attention to helping other people. One particular example is how he went above and beyond during the Hurricane Agnes flood of 1972. George and the family moved essential supplies from the pharmacy to his home in order to remain open. He made countless deliveries of critical medicines to customers and people in the valley when they were unable to get out on their own.

In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his wife Tina, son George Jr., siblings Stacia, Stephanie, Florence, Chester, and Eugene.

George is survived by daughters Karen, Joann Ready (Greg), and son John (Mary), daughter in law BettyLynn Kempinski, grandchildren Alan (Charity) Ready, Stephanie Ready (fiancé Josh), Daniel, Thomas, and Stephen Kempinski, great-grandchildren William Keldie, Layla Keldie, and Charlotte Ready, and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am on Monday, August 24, 2026 at Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church, Buttonwood. Everyone is asked to go directly to the church the morning of the funeral. Interment will follow in Hanover Green Cemetery.

The viewing will be from 2-5pm on Sunday, August 23 at Mamary-Durkin Funeral & Cremation Services, 59 Parrish St. Wilkes-Barre.