Daniel Allen Kemp

Daniel Allen Kemp, the son of the late Danie Kemp and Pauline V. Smith, was born on December 20, 1943 in Cannonsburg, Pennsylvania. He died unexpectedly on January 2, 2025. Daniel was a proud graduate of Canon-McMillan High School and continued his studies at Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee. On November 12, 1994, Daniel was united in holy matrimony to the late Dr. Cassandra Richardson Kemp who died on November 21, 2024. He was previously married to Lorene D. “Peaches” Smith Harris.

Daniel’s career path began with a commitment to the commercial and industrial work for the city of Pittsburgh, aiding in the development of the nation’s infrastructure. As a steelworker, he served in a multitude of positions while working at U.S. Steel in Dravosburg and Shenango Steel in Neville Island. Daniel leveraged his expertise to contribute to other endeavors from construction, design, and the development of his landscaping company, Kemp, Co. While returning to the district that he was a product of, Daniel took great pride in serving as a bus driver for the Canon-McMillian School District where he built strong relationships with both students and their families.

It is said that success is not given, but earned through hard work, determination, and a relentless spirit. Daniel embodied this belief as his character reflected a strong correlation between his life’s passions and his work ethic. Beginning in his early years, Daniel worked alongside his father at the Kemp farm, cultivating and harvesting crops and raising Black Angus. Daniel fostered a deep attachment to the land while preserving the family heritage. 

Daniel was a man of responsibility and integrity who was driven by a sense of duty. Thus, the essence of family was most sincere to his heart. He was enthusiastically devoted to attending family events and traveled near and far to do so. Daniel was honored to represent his late Uncle Ray Kemp, the first African American player for the Pittsburgh Steelers, on the Acrisure field. In moments when spending time with his former Shenango Steel co-workers during their monthly breakfast club gathering or fulfilling his love for jazz music by listening to melodies and two-stepping on the dance floor, Daniel dedicated his life to providing a sense of joy and inspiration. Daniel was an avid Fort Cherry Sports enthusiast. Fondly known to the students as “Unc,” Daniel was a regular fan at his great-niece’s basketball and volleyball games where he could be seen leisurely keeping stats. Most noticeably, Daniel was known to be a sharp dresser. Whether he was wearing a stylish outfit or a pair of jean overalls, he always carried himself with class and remained connected to his roots.

Through his unwavering commitment, Daniel made a lasting impact on his family and community. He is the husband of the late Dr. Cassandra Richardson Kemp; father of Daniel A. Kemp, Jr., Dayna L. Kemp, Mark (Melanie) Perkins, and Brandi King Overton (Kareef); dear brother of Theresa I. Armstrong and the late Lenora Kemp and Odessa Kemp; adored grandfather of Kamryn Bryce Kemp, Jada Kemp Langley, Josiah Weaver, Maleeka Lee-Perkins, Naseem Lee-Perkins, and Harper King Overton; loving uncle of Todd Kemp (Traci McDonald) and the late Eric Armstrong; great uncle of Alexcia Kemp, Ariana Kemp, and Olivia Kemp; chosen family and neighbor of Eddie and Christina Gibbs; and a loved one to a host of other relatives and close friends. The legacy Daniel leaves behind continues to inspire, a testament to a life well-lived and a spirit that endures beyond time.

In honor of his life, family and friends are invited to pay their respects at Graff-Nation Funeral and Cremation Services, 218-220 East Lincoln Avenue, McDonald, PA, 15057 on January 10, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. A visitation will also take place at the First Baptist Church of McDonald, 141 North McDonald Street, McDonald, PA 15057 on January 11, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Interment will occur at Robinson’s Run Cemetery, 504 Sunset Lane, McDonald, PA 15057 at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to: Fort Cherry Ranger Nation Day Scholarship c/o Mike Bish, 151 School Street, McDonald, PA 15057 or The Cookie Jar Scholarship Fund at the Washington County Community Foundation, 1253 Route 519, P.O. Box 308, Eighty-Four, PA 15330.