Al Banke

It is with sadness that the Juniper Park Civic Assn. announced the passing of Albert P. Banke. Al passed away at the age of 80 on Sept. 19th, 2013. He lived in Massepequa Park, Greenpoint and for many years, Maspeth where he was born and raised. Al worked 40 years as supervisor of plant protection for Brooklyn Union Gas.

He was an Artilliary gunner in the Navy during Korean War. Al worked at the Elmhurst Gas Tanks site serving as “The Tank Commander,” a title he received because for seven years he was the Commander of the Glendale American Legion Post 104. Al was a good friend of Peter and Ethel Chahales, owners of Spartan Restaurant.

Ruth Kempisty

Our beloved friend Ruth passed away on October 29, 2013. M. Ruth Howard was born in Missoula, Montana. Ruth's parents, Walter and Myrtle Howard, were Army folks. She has three, brothers, Frank, Jim, and George. Ruth met John Kempisty at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, while both served in the Army Transportation Corps during WWII. Ruth was a Rail Manager and John worked in Trucking. They were married in Chicago, on April 9, 1946, shortly after being discharged from the Army. Their union was blessed with three children: Catherine Ann Torti, Barbara Lee Batini, and John Howard Kempisty.

When asked how long they lived in Maspeth/Middle Village community, Ruth responded: “forever.” They have been homeowners here since 1951. Regardless of what meeting one might attend in the Maspeth/Middle Village area, the

Kempisty's were already there seated and smiling when one arrives. A partial listing of some of the organizations to which they belong might include: COP 104, COMET, United Veterans and Fraternal Organizations of Maspeth, Kowalinski Post #4, Parks Service Committee of Community Board 5, Maspeth Anti-Crime Task Force, Graffiti Removal Special Interest Group, and the Juniper Park Civic Association. Ruth also served on the State Senate Veterans Advisory Commission.

Ruth Kemisty was 95.