Former owner of Bronxdale Delicatessen dies at age 70

Walter J. Hemsley, Jr., retired business owner, active member of the United Brothers Lodge and beloved family man, died on July 6 due to complicated health issues. He was 70.

Mr. Hemsley was born on Nov. 10, 1943 in the Bronx. He lived for the past 16 years in Congers, New York and in Dobbs Ferry and Hastings-on-Hudson, New York for 27 years before that.

A butcher by trade, Mr. Hemsley worked in the food industry his entire life. He was the proprietor of the Bronxdale Delicatessen at 210 W. 231st St. for 26 years and was active with the Kingsbridge Chamber of Commerce. He went on to work as an assistant manager at a Whole Foods in Milburn, New Jersey until he retired.  

Starting in 1965, Mr. Hemsley was an active member of the United Brothers Lodge #356/Allemania  #740 of the 9th Manhattan District, Grand Lodge of New York. He proudly served as master twice and as treasurer and secretary. He loved to travel, was an avid listener of doo-wop, a lifelong admirer of the Rat Pack — especially “Old Blue Eyes,” Frank Sinatra, himself — and enjoyed singing with the choir at the New Hempstead Presbyterian Church, where he was also an elder. 

Mr. Hemsley enjoyed baseball, golf, boating, skiing, reading a good book and spending quality time with family and friends. He was a real pet lover, especially toward Trevor, a big, fat cat whom Mr. Hemsley rescued.

Mr. Hemsley is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Lona Asher; his mother, Mary; his three daughters, Susan, Lori and Donna; his five grandchildren, Jessica, Daniel Joseph, Michelle, John and Thomas; nine brothers and sisters; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and a vast array of friends. They remember Mr. Hemsley as an extraordinary man who truly adored his wife, family and friends.  He will be sorely missed, but will remain forever in the hearts of those he so deeply touched.

Interment was at Ferncliff Cemetery, located at 280 Secor Road in Hartsdale, New York.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Hemsley’s memory to HiTor Animal Care Center, located at 65 Fireman’s Memorial Dr., Pomona, N.Y. 10970, or New Hempstead Presbyterian Church, located at 484 New Hempstead Rd. New City, N.Y. 10956.