Obituary for Theodore Stanley "Ted" Dobrie III
Theodore Stanley Dobrie III, 59, was called home on Friday, September 15th, 2023. Ted was born in Patchogue, New York on September 30th, 1963, and his legacy will be remembered by so many. After a short battle with cancer, Ted’s final days were spent at Haven Hospice in Palatka, where he was thoughtfully cared for and surrounded by his loved ones. His family would like to thank every member of Haven Hospice for the extraordinary compassion and comfort they provided him.
“Our life is a constant journey, from birth to death. The landscape changes, the people change, our needs change, but the train keeps moving. Life is the train, not the station.” -Paulo Coelho
Ted will always be remembered for the passion he shared for what he loved. His knowledge and talent of mechanics began when he was 15 years old at his family’s truck shop, in Blue Point Long Island, Dobrie’s Garage. In 1990, his career in railroad began as a welder/freight car mechanic at Kostume Kar Inc. in Green Cove Springs, Florida, his path on the tracks grew from there, becoming a supervisor at Progress Rail, then into management at Watco Companies of Jacksonville. From there he became the Chief Mechanical Officer at Genesee & Wyoming Inc. based in Jacksonville working with Bay Line Railroad in Panama City, Florida. While living in the panhandle, he ventured on his own as the President/Owner of Emerald Coast Locomotive and Railcar Service, LLC, which he continued throughout his life. In 2011, Ted accepted the position of Chief Mechanical Officer at United States Sugar Corporation in Clewiston, Florida, one of the largest sugar manufactures in the U.S. and the only facility in the world with a railroad system with 300 miles of track, 24 locomotives and 900 railcars. Ted’s journey ended while working as Chief Mechanical Officer of Smokey Mountain Railroads in Bryson City, North Carolina. Throughout his profession, he earned a multitude of certifications, including derailment investigation, locomotive engine technical, practical and electrical training, along with many others.
Ted loved riding on his Harley Davidson, visiting the closest beach he could find or being on the water, especially with his cherished airboat. He enjoyed traveling with his wife Karen, often exploring all the unseen wonders. Ted was the definition of a family man, during his many adventures, he made sure a phone call to his beloved Mother on the weekend was always top prior. His standout moments were undoubtedly admired while in the presence of his children and grandchildren. He was such a hard worker, regardless of the struggles in his day, they put an expression of joy on his face. This face will never be forgotten!
Ted is survived by his wife of 28 years, Karen, children, Kaytlyn & Camden, stepdaughter, Mistie (Mark) Blevins, mother and stepfather, Judith & Peter Dobrie, siblings, Nicole Fox, Erik (Lisa) Dobrie & Bert Dobrie, grandchildren, Jacey & Emma Blevins, Lawrence Gort Jr., Adam & Ella Belcher, nieces and nephews, Ted & Frank Fox, Lauren, Lindsay, Leanne & Erik Dobie.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ted Dobrie Jr. & brother-in-law, Marty Fox.
A Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 14th at 12pm. Location is 117 Fisherman Rd, Satsuma, FL 32189.
His family encourages you to donate at a local blood center as Ted was the recipient of many transfusions, granting us extra time with him. Donations to Haven Hospice are also greatly appreciated.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Ted’s Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com.
“Our life is a constant journey, from birth to death. The landscape changes, the people change, our needs change, but the train keeps moving. Life is the train, not the station.” -Paulo Coelho
Ted will always be remembered for the passion he shared for what he loved. His knowledge and talent of mechanics began when he was 15 years old at his family’s truck shop, in Blue Point Long Island, Dobrie’s Garage. In 1990, his career in railroad began as a welder/freight car mechanic at Kostume Kar Inc. in Green Cove Springs, Florida, his path on the tracks grew from there, becoming a supervisor at Progress Rail, then into management at Watco Companies of Jacksonville. From there he became the Chief Mechanical Officer at Genesee & Wyoming Inc. based in Jacksonville working with Bay Line Railroad in Panama City, Florida. While living in the panhandle, he ventured on his own as the President/Owner of Emerald Coast Locomotive and Railcar Service, LLC, which he continued throughout his life. In 2011, Ted accepted the position of Chief Mechanical Officer at United States Sugar Corporation in Clewiston, Florida, one of the largest sugar manufactures in the U.S. and the only facility in the world with a railroad system with 300 miles of track, 24 locomotives and 900 railcars. Ted’s journey ended while working as Chief Mechanical Officer of Smokey Mountain Railroads in Bryson City, North Carolina. Throughout his profession, he earned a multitude of certifications, including derailment investigation, locomotive engine technical, practical and electrical training, along with many others.
Ted loved riding on his Harley Davidson, visiting the closest beach he could find or being on the water, especially with his cherished airboat. He enjoyed traveling with his wife Karen, often exploring all the unseen wonders. Ted was the definition of a family man, during his many adventures, he made sure a phone call to his beloved Mother on the weekend was always top prior. His standout moments were undoubtedly admired while in the presence of his children and grandchildren. He was such a hard worker, regardless of the struggles in his day, they put an expression of joy on his face. This face will never be forgotten!
Ted is survived by his wife of 28 years, Karen, children, Kaytlyn & Camden, stepdaughter, Mistie (Mark) Blevins, mother and stepfather, Judith & Peter Dobrie, siblings, Nicole Fox, Erik (Lisa) Dobrie & Bert Dobrie, grandchildren, Jacey & Emma Blevins, Lawrence Gort Jr., Adam & Ella Belcher, nieces and nephews, Ted & Frank Fox, Lauren, Lindsay, Leanne & Erik Dobie.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ted Dobrie Jr. & brother-in-law, Marty Fox.
A Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 14th at 12pm. Location is 117 Fisherman Rd, Satsuma, FL 32189.
His family encourages you to donate at a local blood center as Ted was the recipient of many transfusions, granting us extra time with him. Donations to Haven Hospice are also greatly appreciated.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Ted’s Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com.