Joseph Daniel Dempsey

Joseph Daniel Dempsey Jan. 8, 1911 - Aug. 14, 2005

The passing of Joe Dempsey on August 14, 2005, marked the last round-up for one of San Jose's last cowboys. A cowboy and a rancher and an Irishman, he lived 50 years in the Evergreen area of San Jose on ranches on Kettman and Metcalf roads with his wife Josephine Dempsey, who passed away in May 1999.

Throughout his life, Joe always lived close to the land. He built a house for Josephine on Kettman Road. He loved the small herd of cattle he raised on both ranches. He trained horses to work with the cattle and proudly rode in local parades for many years, showing off his fancy saddles while demonstrating his riding skills. He always loved the yearly barbeques he and Josephine hosted for family and friends. Even when he got older, he enjoyed a dip of Skoal, and he was known to belt out "El Rancho Grande" with Mariachi bands at his favorite Mexican restaurant. A powerfully physical man, he rode horses into his late '70s and cut wood until he was 87. He loved Chevy pickups, the Democratic Party, and a good plate of spaghetti.

In the last years of his life, Joe especially appreciated the love and care he received from his stepdaughter Eugenia "Jeannie" Della Maggiore and her husband Armond Della Maggiore. He also was thankful for the many kindnesses of his neighbors Terri Hernandez and her late husband Lucky; and his friends Sue Gallarita, Cheryl Gidding, John Howitt, Jim Berton, Angie Kemphan, Eleanor Vargas, and Eleanor Santos.

Joe was the son of James Patrick Dempsey and Agnes Bridgett O'Neill Dempsey and the brother of James Dempsey, John Dempsey, Aloysius Dempsey, Agnes Helms, Eileene Hudson, Sarah Hoxsie, Anna Burrell, and Mary Margaret Cisternino, all of whom have already passed away.

Joe will also be missed by his stepson Edward Reis, his wife Marie, and their children Sandy, Gene, Gail and Gary; his step-grandchild Diane Della Maggiore Burkhart and her son Ryan and his step-grandchild Ed Della Maggiore and his children Melanie, Stephanie, Gina, and Chris; and his many nieces and nephews, including Margaret Stewart and her husband Al, Robert Cisternino, Margaret Quintana, Roberta Helms, and Bill Dempsey.

Graveside Services will he held on Saturday, August 20, at 11:00 a.m. at OAK HILL MEMORIAL PARK, 300 Curtner Ave., San Jose.