Dr. Peter John Kemp

Peter John Kemp, M.D., F.A.C.O.G, 70, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed away in Richmond, Virginia on September 23, 2024, following an August liver transplant to treat an Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

Born in Levittown, New York to John and Anna Kemp, Peter spent his entire life helping and serving others. From his first jobs as a lifeguard, EMT/Paramedic, and volunteer firefighter to his 35-year career in medicine, Dr. Kemp freely and generously gave of himself. Peter met the love of his life, Sue Hauptman, in 1975, and the two were married in April 1979. 

Peter graduated from American University of the Caribbean in 1988 and went on to do his internship in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Harlem Hospital Center in New York City followed by a residency at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Pontiac, Michigan from 1989-1992. Sue and Peter moved to Virginia Beach in 1993 where he opened a thriving private practice, Chesapeake Women’s Care.

As a member of Chesapeake Regional Medical Staff since January 1995, Peter delivered hundreds of babies in the Hampton Roads region during his 35 years of practicing medicine. A true physician leader, Peter contributed much of his time and energy into collaborating with others to improve physician relationships, CRMC culture, patient care quality, and workforce and patient safety. He deeply cared for his patients and enjoyed a busy practice in Chesapeake.

Dr. Kemp served as Medical Staff President, OB/GYN Department Chairman, Credentials Committee Chairman, and he was passionate about gathering fellow physician leaders to join him at the Virginia General Assembly in Richmond each year to be sure physicians’ voices were heard on key health care issues.

Dr. Kemp was a friend and mentor to many and often had students rotating with him in the hospital and at the office, contributing to the future of health care and the community at large.

Peter and Sue’s family expanded with the adoption of two sons, Christopher and Michael, and birth of a daughter, Katherine “Katie”. Peter was devoted to his wife, family, pets, friends, patients and brother firefighters. He loved tracking the weather, was an avid history buff, and often invited friends to stargaze through his telescope, sharing his fascination with the universe. 

Peter was predeceased by his parents and stepmother. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sue, his sons, Chris and Michael, both of Virginia Beach; his heroine daughter Katie, who selflessly donated a portion of her liver to her father, and her partner, Liz Bunce, of Decatur, Georgia; his sister Pam Monaco and her husband , Michael, of Babylon, New York, along with Peter’s nephew, Kevin Monaco, and his wife Karen Allison; and special long-time friends, Bob and Joan Bonaventure.

Visitation will be held at Beach Funeral Services, 4456 Bonney Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, from 6 PM – 8 PM. Mass at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 712 Little Neck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 will be on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at 11 AM. Flowers may be sent to Beach Funeral Services by Tuesday, October 1, 2024.