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Dean DePoy Obituary
DEPOY
7/27/36 - 6/11/20
WINTER HAVEN - Dean R. DePoy passed June 11, 2020 in Winter Haven, Florida, after a long illness. He was a resident of Winter Haven, Florida, where he had lived for nearly 22 years.
Dean was born in Niles, Michigan on July 27, 1936.
He is survived by his sisters Judy DePoy Atwood of Vero Beach, Florida and Sue DePoy Conner of Walton, Kentucky; his sons Erik DePoy of Moscow, Russia and Kurt DePoy of Celina, Texas; and Kristen DePoy Blaeser of Boxford, Massachusetts.
Dean graduated from Niles High School in 1954 and studied Music Education at the University of Michigan, where he earned a BA in 1958 and an MA in Instrumental Music Education in 1959.
Dean was a lifelong 'Wolverine' stemming from his days at the University of Michigan, where he met his former wife Judith. His sister Judy and son Erik also studied in Ann Arbor.
His career as a band director began at Cassopolis High School (1960-1963). He subsequently moved on to become Director of Bands at Wheeling High School (1964-1969) and moved on to the collegiate level at Ball State University (1969-1971). After teaching briefly at Staples High School in Westport, Connecticut (1971-1972) and Glenbrook South High School in Glenview, Illinois (1972-1973), he moved to East Setauket, New York to begin 25 years teaching at Brentwood High School in Brentwood, New York.
During his 22 years in Winter Haven, Dean was a regular player in the Over 55 Show Band, which showcased his lifelong love for playing the clarinet and saxophone.
Under his direction, the Brentwood High School marching band (the 'Green Machine') was a regular winner of awards at local and state marching band championships. The reputation for excellence that his bands earned led to invitations to perform at professional sporting events, including at Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium.
Dean will be sorely missed by his family and the many students he taught over the years. May he rest in peace.
His urn will be laid to rest at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles, Michigan, on July 27, which would have been his 84th birthday.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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Charles Roig
November 1, 2023
Thank you Dean Depoy for being the best teacher that I ever had!
Rebecca Lewis
October 29, 2023
You are among the great. Rest in the glory of music. Thank you for the memories and the admiration and respect for you is deserved in the highest regard.
Rebecca Lewis
October 29, 2023
Charles Roig
June 17, 2021
Dean DePoy still remains the best teacher I ever had. He lives on forever in all of the ones he so incredibly motivated.
Kathleen McFadden-Ruping
July 6, 2020
Mr. Depoy was one in a million. He knew how to motivate high school kids. He knew those who needed some extra encouragement or attention and was a surrogate parent to many over the years. My time with the Big Green Machine Marching Band holds many fond memories of this man. The Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade, halftime at NY Jets game, Marching in Disney World and performing our halftime show in Miami. Those are just a few great memories. God bless you Dean Depoy, I am sure you are making beautiful music in heaven. May God wrap his arms around your family during this time of great loss.
Charles Roig
July 2, 2020
Dean may have only been at Wheeling High School for six years, but it was long enough for him to leave a mark as the best teacher I ever had the good fortune of being his student.
Dennis Sullivan
June 29, 2020
he inspiration of my life. Hes the reason I became a band director. Finest and most influential teacher in my life. He will be missed more than you know. God Bless you, Dean, and your family!
Richard (Dick) Follett
June 27, 2020
I was very fortunate to have been selected as the Cassopolis High School Marching Band Drum Major in my freshman year by Dean DePoy who had been the Drum Major at Niles High School before he went to Ann Arbor for his college work. He was a good teacher and excellent Drum Major tutor. In fact, he tutored me well enough to become the U of Michigan Drum Major 1966-1968. Thanks, Dean!
Patricia Sullivan Martinez
June 27, 2020
May he Rest In Peace and May God bless and comfort his family. Mr DePoy was my band director at Wheeling High School from 1964-1968. He demanded all the talent you could bring and I became a strong, confident adult because of his teaching. I will miss him, but remember him forever.
Sue Conner
June 24, 2020
He was a wonderful brother and will be missed breath in your Heavenly Home freely now Love you
Beth and Tim Winquist
June 23, 2020
Our thoughts and Prayers are with the families during this difficult time. Dean and Bill can play music together once more. God Bless to you Dean.
Due Conner
June 23, 2020
RIP Dean you will be missed I Love you
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