Joseph Dewey O'Brien

Joseph Dewey O’Brien of Alford, FL, joined his beloved wife and family members in Heaven on October 9, 2025. Born in St. Paul, MN to Henrietta and Dewey O’Brien, he was the youngest in a family of seven. His early years were spent playing baseball, enjoying the companionship of his dog, Laddie, and finding creative ways to earn money for the movies. His family owned O’Brien Funeral Home, and Joe helped out with the “heavy lifting.” He attended St. Columba Grade School, graduated from Wilson High School, and completed one year at St. Thomas College, where he played baseball.

Joe was married to his high school sweetheart, Marion Ellis, for seventy years. They had six children: Anne (Cliff), Barbara (Fred), Timothy (Holly), Daniel (Kim), Terrence (Jenna), and Janet (Doug),14 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

Joe started his long career in the automotive business sweeping floors at Midway Chevrolet in St. Paul, MN. Over the years, he moved up the ranks from salesman to management before obtaining his own dealership, Joe O’Brien Chevrolet Cadillac, in Hastings, MN. He was very successful at both dealerships, winning many awards and traveling extensively with Marion and other dealers. He was well respected in the industry and was asked to consult with other Twin City dealers. At Joe O’Brien Chevrolet and Cadillac, he worked alongside wife, Marion, son Timothy and daughter-in-law Holly, building a strong community presence.

Upon retirement, Joe and Marion moved to Compass Lake in the Hills, where for many years, Joe was a volunteer fireman, on the Compass Lake Development Board, and rescued many, many dogs!

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marion; brothers, Jack and Gerald; sister, Rita; daughter, Anne; son, Timothy; grandsons, Alex and Tim; and great-granddaughter Fern.

Joe is survived by his dog Shadow; children, Barbara (Fred) Loring, Daniel (Kim) O’Brien, Terrence (Jenna) O’Brien, Janet (Doug) Anderson, son-in-law Cliff Aichinger; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his beloved sister, Mary Kay Love; goddaughter, Joan Love; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express our deep gratitude to grandson, Connor O’Brien, By Your Side and Stethoscope Home Care; nurses, Ashley and Robyn; therapist Amanda; Emerald Coast Hospice; and close friends Daryl and Steve Gray and Nancy Jones. It took a village!

Memorlization will be by cremation with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.