Denise A. (Kanfush) Kempa

Denise A. (Kanfush) Kempa, 72, of Center Twp., passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

She was born on May 23, 1954 in Wichita Falls, TX, a daughter of the late Philip M.  and Elizabeth Ann (Farland) Kanfush.  Denise was a member of Mary, Queen of Saints Parish-St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church.  She served roles in Vocational Education, she was on the Faculty of Beatty Tech as a Dental Assisting instructor.  Her career culminated in her role as Superintendent of the BCCTC.  She was also a member of the Ambridge Lion’s Club.

In addition to her parents, Denise was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence Joseph Kempa; and her niece, Hanna Rae Ensworth.

She is survived by three children, David J. O’Neil and his wife Lora; Brian P. O’Neil and his wife Ashley; and Meghan M. Morgan; eight grandchildren, Tyler; Taryn; Landon; Anna Lisa; Sydney; Kinsley; Maverick; and Kennedy; a brother, Rev. Philip M. Kanfush, O.S.B.; and four sisters, Ladonna Dmitsak and her husband James; Monica Gorman and her husband Kevin; Aileen McCullogh and her husband Kevin; and Michaleen Ensworth and her husband Scott.  She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend Thanks and gratitude to the staff at Tapestry of Moon Twp. And Advanced Hospice for their wonderful kindness and high level of care Denise received during her residency.

Friends will be received on Wednesday from 2-4pm and 6-8pm in Darroch Cremation and Funeral Tributes, Inc., 2640 Mill Street, Aliquippa www.darrochfuneralhome.com where prayers will be offered on Thursday at 9:15am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am in St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church.

Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery.

The family kindly requests in lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Denise’s name to the Lighthouse for the Blind.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Denise A. (Kanfush) Kempa, please visit our floral store.