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MANCHESTER - Dean James Magarian, 53, a resident of Seminary Avenue in Manchester, passed away Friday, November 16, 2012, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Dean was born in Newton, Massachusetts, on December 28, 1958, the son of Daniel and Frances (Gendall) Magarian. It's always tough to sum up a hero in a few words. Dean was a great role model who valued, above all, God and family. He was deeply devoted to his wife and children.
He was educated in the Lexington, Massachusetts, public schools, graduating from high school in 1976. Dean then went on to receive his bachelor's degree in early childhood education, his master's degree in school administration and a second master's in literacy and special education.
He loved teaching kids to read and would spend many extra hours tutoring kids before and after school. Dean began his teaching career at the Christian Center Elementary School in Lexington, Massachusetts, teaching kindergarten. He then spent 17 years serving as principal of Willard Middle School in Sanford, Maine, and Flood Brook Elementary School in Londonderry, Vermont. After a successful administrative career, Dean returned to his real passion and love as an early childhood educator at the Sunderland Elementary School, where he taught first grade up until the time of his death.
Dean was a member of Christ Our Savior Parish St. Paul Roman Catholic Church in Manchester, where he taught youth ministries, as he had in Sanford, Maine. He inspired many young people to become closer to God. Dean enjoyed putting his skilled carpentry hands to work building for his family and the benefit of others. He enjoyed hiking on the trails behind Burr & Burton Academy. He was very active and involved in BBA sports programs and was a constant supporter of their teams. The BBA Varsity Football team (which went to the semi-finals) and the Varsity Boys Soccer Team (State Champions) dedicated their seasons to him. BBA's Performing Arts dedicated the school play to Dean.
Dean annually fundraised and took his first graders on an overnight trip to Boston with "Urban Orienteering" as the theme, teaching his students to navigate subway systems and learning about historical points of interest. Dean was an avid Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fan. He loved a wide variety of music, especially Christian music, and cherished time spent with his family, his dog and nature. First graders talk of their love of reading because of the way he read the BFG by Roald Dahl in his animated voices and goofy hats. His wife will forever love him, his son has dedicated his life to becoming the man his father is and his daughters plan to raise their children through the example of their father. In the end, when you look at the measure of a life and leaving the world a better place, Dean gets an A+
Dean is survived by his wife and soul mate, Valerie Magarian of Manchester; his son, Mitch Magarian of Manchester; his daughters, Emily Magarian Thomas and her husband Christopher of Burlington, Vermont, and Laura Magarian of Burlington, Vermont; his mother of Acadia, Florida; his brother, Robert Magarian and his wife Lorraine of Chelmsford, Massachusetts; several nieces and nephews; and his dog, Riley. He was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Magarian.
At the request of the family, a private memorial Mass will be celebrated at Christ Our Savior Parish, St. Paul Roman Catholic Church in Manchester. A celebration of the life of Dean James Magarian will be held at the Sunderland Elementary School December 22, 2012, from 1-4 p.m. If so inclined, feel free to bring a memory or memento to participate in the celebration. Memorial gifts may be made in Dean's memory to the Sunderland Elementary School to benefit kids and education, c/o Brewster & Shea Funeral Service, PO Box 885, Manchester Center, VT 05255. To send the family personal email condolences, please visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.
The family has entrusted arrangements to the care of Brewster and Shea Funeral Home, 34 Park Place, Manchester Center, Vermont.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
He was a wonderful man and a great spiritual mentor to our son Eric!!
Scott and Joy Casey
Friend
November 14, 2023
Val,Emily,Laura, & Mitch, The news of Dean's death came as a shock & surprise. My deepest sympathy. Will keep you all in my thoughts & prayers. Also remembering Dean as a special, caring man,dedicated to his family,his faith & his community. He is leaving a wonderful legacy of memories for his family. Maggie levesque
Maggie Levesque
November 25, 2012
Dear Val, Emily, Laura & Mitch,
Over the years we have heard so many great stories about Dean and his family. We are so sorry for your loss and pray that heal quickly. Love,
The Tringale Family
November 23, 2012
Dean, you will be missed so much.you were the most caring loving understanding person. there is not a day that goes by that your not missed.i dont know what Bobby will do with out you. who is going to listen to him about his coaching? step by step and still give advise? you were his rock. we love you so much. and will be missed daily. Love Lorraine
November 22, 2012
You will be missed Deano...
bob magarian
November 22, 2012
We are thinking of your family and pray for peace during this sorrowful time. Meeting Dean at the wedding showed us why we love Emily so much! Your family is very special and it was an honor to have met him and all of you this summer!
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Lee Ann and Hugh Handley
November 21, 2012
The ability Uncle Dean had to put a smile on an individuals face, faith in someones heart, and hope in someones dreams is irreplaceable. He left his legacy as a great father, devoted husband, amazing uncle, caring brother, and all around angelic individual. His memory has made an imprint on so many hearts, and geared caring and genuine actions for those living in his memory. For that, i am grateful to be able to say that this amazing uncle that i will miss greatly, is now reunited with his loved ones. Until we meet again, Uncle Dean. I love you and miss you dearly.
Love, Amanda
November 21, 2012
With our deepest sympathy to your family. We were associated with Dean at the Flood Brook School. Dean was not only a gentleman; but a gentle man who inspired the lives of many studens.
John and Rita Morse
November 21, 2012
Our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.
Craig Edwards
November 20, 2012
Sorry for your loss, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Val.
Rose
November 20, 2012
Dear Valerie Emily Laura and Mitch. so sorry for your loss he will be sadly missed God Bless all of you
Bob Foss
November 20, 2012
Sorry for your loss Valerie, Emily, Laura and Mitch.I knew Dean as a man who was a devoted husband,father,and educator.Fond memories of our childhood will remain with me always.
We are so sorry for your loss,
Dan and Joanne
November 20, 2012
Dear Valerie, Emily, Laura & Mitch, I am so very sorry for the loss of Uncle Dean. I will never forget what a fabulous Uncle he was to us, the sledding, driving, parks, sports he played with us. Im so glad You were All able to visit our home. Michael, Mark and Sarah All have Fond Memories of You & your Family. Michael always thought You were one of the Nicest, Kindest and Best Dad he had had the Pleasure of meeting. With Love, Nicole
November 20, 2012
Dear Val and family, I am so sad for your loss and am praying for you.
Darcy Picucci
November 20, 2012
Uncle Dean, I will always treasure the memories I have of you growing up. You will be dearly missed. Love Kristen, Nicole and your sister Roberta
November 20, 2012
Dear Valerie and Family - We all feel so fortunate to have been in Dean's life at Flood Brook School. His love for the children was inspirational, and I remember so many times how he got down on his knees to connect with the little ones on their level. They loved him and he was such a wonderful role model. May his inspiration live on and on...forever! We are all so sad for you loss. God bless all of you. Wanda Mauti
November 19, 2012
You probably don't even remember us, but know that the times that we spent together as family was so important. You are in our thoughts and prayers.(Of course it's now Jennifer Hunt, Jill Arel, and Aiden, Keegan, Ryan and Miss Olivia....)
Dennis, Jane,Jen & Jill Guay,Arel,Hunt
November 19, 2012
I am so sad to hear of your loss. Your husband and father was an amazing man. We knew him when he was at Flood Brook. Several years ago I ran into a parent of one of his students at Sunderland and we both couldn't stop saying what a great man and educator he was. Please accept my sincerest sympathy for your loss.
The Hamblett family
November 19, 2012
Dear Valerie, Emily, Laura, and Mitch,
We are so sad for your loss. You are in our hearts and thoughts.
Most Sincerely,
Donna and Tom Petit
November 19, 2012
So many great memories, so many great discussions, so many memorable projects together. Dean taught me so much, I'm thankful that he was my friend and neighbor.
Chris Nolan
November 19, 2012
Dean was the best boss anyone could have asked for. He taught me so much about teaching and he was a gentleman always. I will miss him.
Bev Foster
November 19, 2012
My Loving Brother. You did not realize how special you were to me. Your constant loving support was an insperation to me, and I will forever Love and miss you dearly. Bobby
November 19, 2012
We are so saddened to hear of the loss of a great man, a light to the world. He was kind, loving, thoughtful and dedicated to his family. I will miss you Dean and you are in my thoughts and prayers Val, Emily, Laura and Mitch.
November 19, 2012
Dean was a very special human being and he made a big impact on Eric.He will truly be missed.The Casey's
November 19, 2012
We are very saddened to hear of Dean's passing. Thoughts are prayers are with the Magarian family during this difficult time. He was a wonderful man who made a difference in many lives. The teacher's who taught with Dean at Willard School on Sanford.
November 19, 2012
Mr. M. was an amazing man who has touched the lives of all who knew him. His zest for teaching and learning was contagious. Your smile will remain with us forever~ The Beach family, Sunderland
November 19, 2012
This is a heartbreaking loss for so many of us who have known Dean through the years. My thoughts are with Valerie, Emily, Laura, and Mitch. Peace be with you.
Deb Spiers Ahern
November 19, 2012
So sorry for your loss,Dean was a wonderful person and a great teacher he is going to be greatly missed. My daughter Hannah will never forget nor us as her parents how much he did for her. May god be with you through this tough time. Charlie, Laurie, and Hannah Troumbley.
November 19, 2012
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