Mitch J. Hemperly, 53, of Myerstown, died unexpectedly Monday, February 6, 2012 at the Good Samaritan Hospital, Lebanon.

He was the husband of Kelly J. (Smith) Hemperly to whom he was married 28 years on January 14.

Born in Reading, PA on January 12, 1959, he was the son of Annabel J. (Brubaker) Hemperly, of Myerstown, and the late Mahlon J. Hemperly, Jr.

A 1976 graduate of ELCO High School, he was co-owner of Smith's Candies, Myerstown, where he worked for 44 years and was a member of Myerstown UCC. He was an active life member of the Goodwill Fire Co., Myerstown, where he was Fire Chief from 1993-2005. He was also a member of the Keystone Fire Co., Myerstown; Recording Secretary of the PA Fireman's Relief Assn.; member of the Lebanon County Fireman's Assn.; and a member of the Belvedere Drum & Bugle Corp. for many years. He enjoyed his grandchildren and playing golf.

In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by daughters, Erin L. Hemperly of Myerstown and
Rebecca A. Hemperly of Myerstown; brother Mel J. husband of Robin Hemperly of Myerstown; grandchildren, Haley and Hayden Hemperly; mother and father-in-law John & Shirley Smith of Myerstown; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Friday, February 10, 2012 at 7 p.m. from Myerstown Church of the Brethren, 51 West Stoever Ave., Myerstown. There will be no viewing. Visitation from 5-7 p.m at the church. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Myerstown U.C.C., 310 W. Main Ave., Myerstown, PA 17067 or Goodwill Fire Co., 299 W. Washington Ave., Myerstown, PA 17067. Grose Funeral Home, Myerstown, is entrusted with the arrangements.