GUILDERLAND — John Gilbert Wemple Jr., a social worker who served his community in many ways, found his greatest joy in his family.

He died peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. He was 92.

Born in Albany, he was the son of the late John G. Wemple Sr. and Catherine Marian VanDeusen Wemple. He lived in Guilderland all of his married life. He was a graduate of Blessed Sacrament School, Vincentian Institute, Siena College, and The College of Saint Rose.

He was employed by the Albany County Department of Social Services for over 40 years, retiring as executive director of medical assistance.

“He was very active in a variety of community groups,” his family wrote in a tribute. “He was a communicant, eucharistic minister, and usher at Christ the King Church; member, past president, and yearbook editor for the Dutch Settlers Society of Albany; member and treasurer of the Blessed Sacrament Holy Names Society Golf League; member and chair of the Guilderland Environmental Conservation Council for 20 years; member and treasurer of the Capital District Chapter of The College of Saint Rose Alumni Association for 20 years; member of the Albany County Democratic Committee and the Guilderland Democratic Committee, serving on the Executive Committee of both; member of the Guilderland Elks and the Polish American Citizens Club.

“He was a proud member for 72 years of the Knights of Columbus. John was an enthusiastic supporter of area sports, including the local lacrosse community. He was an avid golfer, and was very proud of his hole in one that he achieved in a January round of golf at Hiawatha Trails Golf Course.

“A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, John’s greatest joy was his family.”

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John Gilbert Wemple Jr. is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Rebecca Wilma Christine Morgan Wemple; his children, John Morgan Wemple (Kimberly) of Guilderland, and Ann Christine Wemple (Michael Whitney) of Albany; and was the proud Granddad of John Joseph Wemple. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

His siblings and their spouses — Marian O’Connor (Frank), Carolyn Payne (John), and Joan Burns (Milton) — died before him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Christ the King Church on Sumter Avenue in Guilderland on Thursday, Dec. 18, at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the Knights Chapel in the church on Thursday morning prior to the Mass from 9 to 11 a.m. Interment will be in Albany Rural Cemetery, Menands.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Guilderland Food Pantry, Christ the King Church - Building Fund, or to the Residents Activities Fund care of Shaker Place Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hans Funeral Home, Albany.

“The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to Dr. Caulfield, the medical staff, and the entire nursing and therapy staff at Shaker Place Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for their loving, dignified, and expert care and support of the whole family,” the tribute said.

 We also thank Father Rick Lesser, staff, and parishioners of the Christ the King Parish, Guilderland for their support and kindness to all of us. Also, special thanks to Kathleen, Pam, Karen, Sandy, Kelly, and Shelby for their care and support of the whole family.”