Joe Dever ’89

Joe Dever ’89 passed away on July 6, 2024, after a struggle with an autoimmune disease. Joe, who was originally from Weymouth, Massachusetts, worked for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and served overseas in Ghana, Senegal, and South Africa. In addition to his long-term assignments, he worked in Kenya, Bangladesh, Croatia, Benin, Ethiopia, Brazil, India, and Madagascar during his long career in international agricultural development. Joe also spoke fluent French, which he often used at work. At the time of his passing, he lived in Silver Spring, Maryland. He is survived by his wife, Penney; children Caelan, Rowan, and Fallon; parents; sisters; and three nieces. At Dartmouth Joe was a psychology major, a member of Phi Psi, and part of the Foley Coop House community. He later received a master’s from Cornell in international agricultural and rural development and another from Iowa State University in agronomy and crop science. Classmates say Joe was a curious, caring, kind, and passionate person and a devoted family man and friend. He was interested in the environment, connected to nature, and loved music, often carrying around his guitar at Dartmouth, eager to break into a Buddy Holly classic. Joe’s adventurous spirit led his family on countless road trips and hikes, enjoying concerts and festivals and all that life has to offer. One classmate said Joe touched countless lives and made friends around the globe, calling him a “unique and special soul.”