Joseph F.X. Dee III

He is survived by his sister Kate Kator (Scott Kator), brother Jim Dee (Emily Kawano), sister Veronica Dee Amelang (Todd Amelang), and nieces and nephews Dan, Mairead, Fiona, Aiden, Kendall, Max, and Kiyo. He was preceded by his parents Joseph F. Dee Jr. and Elizabeth Rose (Gaffney) Dee. And with an extended network including two aunts, an uncle, cousins, and loyal friends, Joe will truly be missed by many.

Born in Boston on February 27, 1956, Joe spent the first eight years of his life in the Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood, before moving to Scituate on the South Shore of Massachusetts, where he spent his formative years. A gifted artist and musician, Joe also liked to tell people that he attended four colleges, although he would proudly add, “And I never graduated any of them!”

In the spring of 1984, he moved to Denver, Colorado where he worked in landscaping and sales, while continuing to hone his skills as a guitarist. In April 1985, he was in a devastating car accident that left him with a traumatic brain injury and wheelchair bound for life. However, Joe’s indomitable spirit saw him make the most of his challenging circumstances. He never complained and was always quick to crack a joke. Indeed, he was often the life of the party at family gatherings. He loved music, movies, and sports – and, of course, Star Wars and Star Trek!

He proudly assumed the nickname Jedi, so much so that it’s likely many of the medical aides he had over the years might not have known his real name.

Joe was also a devout Catholic, who prayed daily, and he routinely cited his faith as a core of his being.

A funeral service for Joe will be held on July 8th. The cortege will assemble at Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home, 382 First Parish Road, Scituate at 9:00 AM, from where it will proceed to St. Mary’s Church for a Mass at 10:00 AM. Interment at Groveland Cemetery in Scituate will be private.

A Celebration of Life for Joe will be held on Sunday, August 13th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Veronica and Todd’s house, 29 Mordecai Lincoln Road, Scituate. If they own a pair, attendees are asked (but not required) to don Frye boots - Joe’s very favorite, yet ever illusive, fashionable footwear.

In lieu of flowers, please send lots of cash – in unmarked bills - to his brother Jim.

Alternatively, please consider a donation to the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts (http://www.biama.org/)