After various jobs, in February 1973, he joined the Operating Engineers Local 428 and became an crane operator. He was very passionate about his career choice and gave 41 years without a single accident before retiring in 2014. 

  His passion didn't stop with retirement. He became actively integrated with the American Legion Post #9 in Florence, the motorcycle group Widow's Sons and most embedded as a Free Mason. Dewey rose through the positions quickly becoming a Master Mason at the Gila Valley Blue Lodge in Florence. He became Worshipful Master of the White Mountain Lodge in Globe, Arizona. 

  He is survived by his wife, Dana, daughter Denise (Barry) Winters, grandchildren Hayden Winters, Baylee (Clayton) Piepenbrink, Beau Fernino  senior Airman Brygan Fernino, and great-grand children Maddox and Lainey Winters.