Richard Dembowski's Obituary
Richard Dembowski of North Royalton, age 93, passed away on April 9, 2024. He is survived by his children Greg (Pat) Dembowski, Jacquie (Randy) Granados and Pam (Jim) Reindel; grandchildren Todd (Ashley), Lindsay (Rob), Tarah (Matt), Tim (Carolyn), Nate, Erica and Alex; and great grandchildren Penelope, Nicolai, Ava, Cooper, Isla and Madaline. He is preceded in death by his wife Theresa and his siblings; Leo, Henry, Alfred, Pauline, Marie, Casmar, Eleanore, Theodora and Alice.
Richard was a caring father, husband, brother, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. He will be remembered as a provider for his family and for continuing the legacy of his father’s business, Dempsey’s Oasis Tavern.
Richard was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Stanislaw Dembowski and Bertha Chrzanowski. In 1950 at age 19 he graduated from Staunton Military Academy in Virginia, and soon after served in the Korean War. While living with his parents on Starkweather Avenue next to his father’s business, Dempsey’s Oasis Tavern, Richard met his future wife Theresa who was a frequent basketball player at the Bath House next door. They married in 1953.
Richard worked as a plumber until 1967 when he and Theresa purchased Dempsey's from his father. They worked long hours to grow the business from a local beer joint to a popular neighborhood restaurant. Dad was an avid supporter of the Polish Solidarity Movement in the 1980’s, hosting many events to increase awareness and support for Poland’s independence. More memorable and important than operating during business hours was when the business was closed on a Sunday or holiday. That was when Richard and Theresa hosted family gatherings. Whether it was a holiday, christening, birthday, or graduation party - Dempsey’s was a popular family gathering place. Family was always most important.
Richard and Theresa sold the family business in 1999. The name was changed to Prosperity Social Club in 2005. To this day the bar is a Cleveland legacy, rich in south side tradition. Richard and Theresa retired and moved to the Greenbriar community in North Royalton, Ohio where they attended mass regularly at St. Colette Catholic Church. Early in retirement they loved to travel to Connecticut and Arizona to visit their children and grandchildren. More recently family would come to North Royalton to spend time at Richard’s home. Spending time with family was his greatest joy and this is how he will be remembered.
In lieu of flowers, a mass intention or donation can be made to St. John Cantius Church, 906 College Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113. A mass and Interment will take place at a later date.
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