Hermann “Bo” Gempp, 88, of Block Island and Warren, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 13, 2016.

Bo was born in the family home in Warren on Dec. 29, 1927 to Hermann and Margaret (Splain) Gempp. He was the youngest of five siblings. He spent much of his life on the water. His early years involved fishing in Narragansett Bay, mostly tonging for quahogs and scallops; and he sailed for a period of time with the Merchant Marines. He played semi-pro football, was a veteran of the Korean Conflict and was a lifelong employee of the Bell System.

Mr. Gempp was a former active member of the Warren Fire and Rescue Department, a former Block

Island Harbormaster, and a member of the Block Island Fire and Rescue Department, the Block

Island Harbors Committee, the Block Island Shellfish Commission and the American Legion.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Helen; his sisters, Margaret and Florence; and

his brothers, George and Robert. He leaves his children, Lisa Sprague, Peter (Laurie) Gempp and Eric (Ellen Foley) Gempp; his grandchildren, Kate, Sara, Abel and Charlie; his great-grandchildren, Adrian and Axel; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, August 25, with a graveside

service at the Block Island Cemetery, followed by a reception at the Block Island Maritime

Institute.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Block Island Fire

and Rescue Department or Block Island Health Services (Medical Center). For information and condolences, visit www.henault-gallogly.com