John Dean, 67, of Vero Beach, passed away on June 8, 2014.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Carolyn Dean; stepson, James Disinger (Christy); stepdaughter, Jessica Jackson (David); brothers, Tom Dean (Barb), Marc Dean and David Dean, Sr.; sister, Joanne Geller (Scott); sisters-in-law, Sr. Jeanne Agans, Marjorie Cozzetto (Sam); brothers-in-law, Michael Agans (Maryann), David Agans (Gail), Tom Agans (Linda); grandsons, Joshua Reichard and Braden Disinger; granddaughters, Emily Reichard and Deanna Disinger; nieces, Beth Windsor, Amanda Dean, Joann Dean, Morgan Dean, Christina Cozzetto, Cynthia Cozzetto, Elizabeth Agans, Jennifer Agans, Krystle Agans; nephews, T.K. Dean, Adam Dean, David Dean, Jr., Michael Dean, Chris Agans, Kevin Agans, Richard Agans, James Agans; and gran-d nieces and nephews.
Dean grew up in Chester, N.J., and lived in Vero Beach for more than 40 years. He inherited strong family values from his parents and his aunts and uncles, learning to appreciate beauty and character and the things of God, and about valuing faithfulness and hard work.
He earned a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts at The College of William and Mary, and a Master’s in Architecture from Ohio University.
Dean was an enthusiastic long term member of the local, state, and national American Institution of Architects. He has served the Vero Beach and surrounding communities for more than 35 years as the Principal of his firm, John H. Dean Architect & Associates.
Many beautiful buildings, parks, and other projects will attest to his skill and love for people for many years to come. He always did his work as unto God. He loved the Lord, and enjoyed being a parishioner at St. Helen Catholic Church, Vero Beach. The Eucharist was the center core of his faith. He could not keep the Lord to himself, and spent his energy in Men’s Ministry, discipling many, and always full of the Holy Spirit.
He was Director of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal for the Catholic Diocese of Palm Beach, Florida. Dean’s enthusiasm for the Holy Spirit is his legacy to his family and friends and his community of faith.
His interests always included historic preservation. One notable effort was the saving of the Heritage Center in Vero Beach, a huge asset that would have been lost but for Dean’s and the Vero Beach Historic Society’s determination to save it. This team also managed to preserve the historic Jungle Trail in Wabasso.
Dean also loved working to protect family values and community life, as evidenced by his 10 year tenure as Chairman of the Board for the Gifford Youth Activity Center, which is changing the fabric of life for young people in that community.
Dean was known for standing vigil every week on the sidewalk in support of the value of human life. Recently John was honored by the Exchange Club of Vero Beach as the 2014 recipient of their Book of Golden Deeds award, given for selfless service to the community.
Contributions in memory of John H. Dean may be made to St. Helen’s Men’s Ministry or St. Helen Charismatic Prayer Group, C/O Deacon Dave Hankle, 2085 Tallahassee Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 13, at St. Helen Catholic Church. A Prayer Service will be held 7 p.m that night. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 14, in the Church. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall, interment will be announced. Arrangements are under the direction of Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach. An online guest book is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.
