John Mark Dewey

John Mark Dewey

October 8, 1958 – November 22, 2023

John Mark Dewey, recently of Omaha NE, was called home to his creator on November 22, 2023. John was born October 8, 1958, to Norman J. and Joan (Tierney) Dewey in Jackson MI.  As a child, he enjoyed music, family vacations, boy scouts, helping around the house, and especially cooking with his mom. He attended Queen of the Miraculous Medal grade school and graduated from Lumen Christi high school in Jackson.  He attended Jackson Community College and Central Michigan University, focusing on computer technology.  He worked in computer systems support until he joined Brennan Industries of Solon OH in 1989. Though John was hired to work in IT, he was told on his first day that he’d be doing customer service and could “do that computer stuff” in his spare time. Thirty-three years later he retired as Global IT Director at Brennan, having seen the company grow 25-fold and expand its operations to include a myriad of distribution centers on 3 different continents.

John married his lovely wife of 30 years, Theresa M. Dobel, in 1993 on the day after Thanksgiving. They met through a mutual friend at church in Akron OH and lived in Akron for most of their married life. They shared a life of love and adventure, and traveled the world, including Ireland, England, Italy, France, Spain, Russia, Mexico and the Caribbean.  They enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and John was especially happy when he could share his passion and considerable culinary talents with loved ones. He also treasured spending time with their many nieces and nephews. On retirement, Theresa and John built a beautiful home in Omaha to be close to family.

John had a lifelong love-affair with music, listening to musicals in his parents’ home, playing guitar as a youngster and taking on the piano in high school to great success. He was a gifted musician with a beautiful, rich baritone voice which he shared in musical theatre, church and for special occasions, including weddings. John spent over 50 years in music ministry, enriching Catholic parishes in Michigan and Ohio with his vocal and instrumental talents.

Preceding him to eternal rest are his parents, Norm and Joan; in-laws, Jerry and Joan Dobel; sister-in-law, Judy Hughes. Left to celebrate his life are his wife, Theresa; stepmother, Lola Dewey of Mendota IL; family members: Pat Dobel and Lea Vaughn of Seattle, Tim Dobel of Martha’s Vineyard, MA, Mike and Sue Dobel of Omaha, Mark Dobel of Kansas City, Maureen Dobel of Denver, Tim and Shelly Sassen of TN, Pat and Betsie Sassen of IL and Matthew Sassen of IL; numerous other friends and family.

Services will be held at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Omaha NE on Monday, December 4th; visitation at 9:30 a.m. immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30. All are invited to a luncheon at the Church Hall immediately following the Service.  A further celebration of John’s life to be hosted in Akron will be scheduled and announced at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Christ Child Society of Akron, P.O. Box 13411 Akron OH 44334; Christchildsocietyofakron.org

To view a live broadcast of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.