Joseph Edward Dempsey Jr, 85, of Oxford and Venice Florida, died Sunday March 10, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband for 62 years of Loretta (Pfeilschifter) Dempsey. Joe was born on June 4, 1933 in Derby CT. He was the son of the late Joseph Edward Dempsey Sr. and Mae Carroll Dempsey. He was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Derby and Good Shepherd in Seymour. Joe resided in Oxford for 60 years until recently retiring to Florida. Joe graduated from Derby High School, class of 1951, and served in the Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a 46 year employee of the Farrell Corporation, traveling for business numerous times to Korea, China, and Israel, retiring in 1996. Joe was never one to sit still. He loved spending time with his family and enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren grow. Joe could be found at most valley sporting events where he was a dedicated fan. While he had a love of all sports, his favorite was watching his daughter, Cathy’s Seymour Lady Wildcats Volleyball Team. He served the town of Oxford in many ways as a member of the Quaker Farms Vol. Fire Company for 23 years, having been a past captain and as a chief for 6 years, 15 years as an EMT with the Oxford Volunteer Ambulance Corp, 14 years on the Planning and Zoning Commission, and 4 years on the Board of Education. Joe also served as chairman of the Oxford Center School Addition Committee. He played softball for many years in the valley league, fast and slow pitch, as well as in California while in the Army. He also enjoyed traveling the world with his wife. In addition to his wife Loretta, Joseph leaves his three children, daughters Karen Nardella with life partner George Petruney, Cathy Federowicz (husband Thomas) and son Joseph Brian Dempsey (wife Cheryl). In addition, Joseph leaves 6 grandchildren, Ashley Nardella of California, Timothy Federowicz (wife Megan) of Southbury, Brian and Michael Federowicz, Autumn and Jason Dempsey all from Oxford and three great grandchildren Jacob, Noah and Ellie Federowicz. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church 212 Elizabeth St., Derby CT DIRECTLY on Friday, March 15, 2019 at 11:30 am. Burial with full military honors will follow at Mount St. Peters Cemetery in Derby. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 14 from 3:30pm to 7:30pm in the Ralph Hull Funeral Home, 161 W. Church St. Seymour, CT 06483. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude’s Childrens’ Hospital through the funeral home.