ROBERT GENE CEMPELLA

September 12, 2018

Robert Gene Cempella, 81, of War passed away Tuesday, September 11, 2018 in Clinch Valley Medical Center in Richlands, VA. Born September 7, 1937 in Welch he was the son of the late John and Ina Cempella. He was a graduate of Gary High School and the University of Kentucky, and received his MBA from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was formerly employed by US Steel as an engineer, and owned and operated Robert’s Floral in Welch for 20 years. His final position was as the CEO of 7 nursing homes in West Virginia. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, an infant brother James, and Dr. Bernard Cempella. He is survived by his wife and best friend for over 54 years, Carolyn “Kitten” Altizer Cempella of War; and his special friend, Joe Falgiani of War. Funeral service will be conducted Friday, September 14 at 11 a.m. at the Emmanuel Baptist Church, War with the Rev. Spencer Oxford officiating. Burial will follow in Grandview Memory Gardens, Bluefield, VA. Friends may call at the church from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on the day of the service. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. The Douglas Mortuary of Welch is serving the family.