Joseph R. Dubee, longtime resident of Sandy Hook, passed away on November 22, 2024. He was 98.

Born in Bridgeport, Joe was the son of Joseph Edward and Julia Dubee. He graduated from Arlington High School in Poughkeepsie, New York. In adulthood, he worked as a telephone lineman and was employed at SNET for 35 years.

Joe had an affinity for antique cars, enjoyed watching old cowboy movies as well as ghost movies. In addition to his listening to his classic country western music, Joe enjoyed spending time and having breakfast with his friends at the Circle Dot restaurant in Monroe. He will be remembered for his quick wit, sharp mind, the love he had for his family, especially his late wife of 66 years, Mary Louise Dubee, and a hot dog with the works at the Sycamore Drive-In in Bethel.

He is survived by his beloved daughter and devoted caretaker, Kathleen Mary Braatz of Southbury; his daughter-in-law Kathleen Cromie of Leesburg, Florida; his brother-in-law Alden Rivers Jr of Southbury; his grandchildren, Melissa Mary Black (Don) of Newport, Rhode Island, Brittany Kathleen Fuller (Benjamin) of Greer, South Carolina, Robert Joseph Braatz, Jr (Julia) of Tampa, Florida, and Cynthia Braatz of Port Charlotte, Florida, James Dubee of Chicopee, Massachusetts, and Danielle Lavarnway of Glasgow, Kentucky; and his great-grandchildren and his nieces and nephews.

He also leaves behind his loyal friends and devoted caretakers, Stephen Burns and Lynn Palmer, both of Sandy Hook.

He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Louise A. Dubee; his three sons, Timothy P. Dubee, Thomas M. Dubee, and Jeffrey A. Dubee; his son-in-law Robert Joseph Braatz, Sr, his parents, Joseph Edward and Julia (Crowley) Dubee; his brother William Dubee; his sister Shirley Dubee; and his mother and father-in-law, Alden and Josephine Rivers.

Friends are invited to calling hours on Thursday, December 12, 4-7 pm, at Spadaccino & Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home, 315 Monroe Turnpike in Monroe. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 13, at 11 am, at St Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road in Newtown. Interment to immediately follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 208 South Main Street in Newtown.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.