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John Dean Obituary
He is survived by his loving wife Karen Dean, his son Michael Thaanum-Dean, grandson Lennin, and sisters Camille Brown and Claudia Langguth.
Prayer vigil from 6-9 p.m. with Rosary at 7 p.m. Friday, March 24, Darling Fischer Campbell Memorial Chapel, 231 E. Campbell Avenue, Campbell. Mass and Memorial reception 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 25, St. Lucy's Catholic Church, 2350 Winchester Blvd., Campbell.
John had a passion for living and loving life in each and every moment. He lived with courage and grace, and he will forever be in our hearts. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, www.active.com/donate/JohnDean.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Dean
Steve Trimm
March 16, 2025
Remembering David today. Our time together was brief. We met at Baylor and picked up our friendship back in Houston. We were fast friends and he was best man at my wedding. He missed the rehearsal dinner because he was interviewing for a job in California and after our honeymoon, he was gone to start his new career and his new life in California. We only saw each other once after that, but talked as often as life allowed. He was a great guy and a great friend and I still think of him often with fondness.
Steve Trimm
March 16, 2024
Being reminded of his passing brings back fond memories of a fine man. He was always kind and thoughtful. I look forward to seeing him again. Good friends are greater than gold!
Steve Trimm
March 16, 2023
I still think of John often and smile. What a great guy and a good friend. I wish he had lived closer and longer! I lost another very good friend and my younger brother in the last 2 years. It´s not easy, but I know I´ll see them soon. Karen, sorry we never got to know each other.
Stephen Trimm
March 17, 2007
John was a college friend and best man at my wedding 29 years ago here in his hometown of Houston and though separated by many miles remained close over the years. I think of him often and regret I did not know Karen well. For John to have loved you as he did, you must be very special! I pray that God will give you peace and mercy as you are missing John and that you will be reunited with him in the life to come!
Steve Trimm
May 26, 2006
Dear Karen,
John and I have been friends since 1970 when we met at Baylor University. He was best man in our wedding and left immediately for his new job in California. We saw each other 13 years later when he was visiting his Dad, and tried to stay in touch over the past years by phone, email and prayers. He was one of the finest men I ever knew and he was my "brother". When I learned recently of his passing, I was saddened for our loss, but encouraged by the hope that those who know Christ have for the life to come. We will miss him for a little while, but have eternity to catch up!! I regret we have not met, but based on the Karen that John talked about and loved, you must be amazing. He was so blessed to have you. I hope we can stay in touch. You are in my prayers.
John Dean...we miss you, but your spirit is with us.
March 29, 2006
Nimmi Kovvali
March 25, 2006
Karen,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Both John and you have been like family to all the mentors and participants on the team and a true source of inspiration. John will always be with us in spirit.
Jerald Balgos
March 24, 2006
Karen,
I cannot express enough how much you and John have influenced my life through TNT. You're one of the big reasons why I have continued to be involved with the program since 2002. I will always remember the times John would video tape us during training...especially, the Spring 2004 season when we filmed my impersonation of a particular American Idol reject (after 12 takes) and John's masterpiece, last season's "Mr. Bill Show". John will be missed...but not forgotten.
Karen and Al Wolf
March 24, 2006
Karen: Please except our condolences for your tremendous loss. I remember when you first came to the cath lab shortly before you and John got married. You were such a special couple. Karen and Al
Shelly Moss
March 24, 2006
Adam and I have always loved being around you two, because there has always been a tremendous amount of calm, happiness and love between you & John. This was especially the case when we saw you last week. Karen--you are truly a woman of strength and the love you have for John and he for you was extraordinary. What a wonderful thing you were able to cherish. We all have very special memories of John--thank you both for letting us be a part of your lives!
Sudhir Buddhavarapu
March 24, 2006
Dear Karen,
The gentle, serene reassuring smile behind the video camera brought me calmness during my training runs and at the Honolulu marathon last year. The dedication that John and you have towards LLS is exemplary. John ran the ultimate marathon - very graciously. I will cherish the memories of him. May you have the inner strength to go through the difficult time,
Sudhir
Michelle Sunseri
March 24, 2006
Dear Karen,
May God Bless You as you celebrate John's wonderful life and all that you shared with him. May you find comfort and peace in knowing that John is in a much better place. I am thankful and very fortunate for having been mentored by you and John.
Love,
Michelle
Ann Garvin
March 24, 2006
Karen & Family -
My deepest sympathies to all of you. I feel so blessed to have gotten to know John through TNT. I will always remember him as a kind, warm, and giving person and will miss seeing him out on the trails and at TNT events. I will keep John, and all of you, in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you all, all my love.
- Ann
Edward Paco
March 24, 2006
Very few people take the time or have the ability to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Through TNT alone, John touched the lives of at least 1,000 people. I know I'm a better person and very fortunate to have been the recipient of his generosity and warmth on a number of occasions. Now in my tenth TNT season, I continually strive to uphold the standard that he set when I was first a participant in fall 2001. I believe John continues to be with us as long as we carry ourselves with the same dignity, courage, sense of humor, and love of life as he did. Next time you think you're falling apart in a marathon or in life, ask yourself, "What time is it?" It's John Dean Time! Kick it in!
Patty Skovron
March 24, 2006
Karen and family. I am sorry for your loss. Your and John were a joy to see along our runs with TNT. My prays are with you.
Jennifer & Russell Shaw
March 24, 2006
Dear Karen - Both you & John have had such an incredible impact on so many people through the years. Russell and I feel honored that we were a part of John's life, even if it was for a short time. His spirit and courage will live on in all of us. He will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. You are in our thoughts & hearts as you go through this difficult time. Karen, you are a special person and know that you have us here if you need anything.
Stefanie Frances
March 24, 2006
Dearest Karen,
My deepest sympathies to you and family. John was truly a blessing and the love he had for you and for life was amazing. His warm smile and gentleness warmed all that knew him. I'm thankful God put both of you in my life.
God Bless you,
Love,
Anissa Mohler
March 24, 2006
Karen, I'll never forget my joy when I saw John filming us running in Monterey last November with a smile on his face. And your joy to have him there. John may be physically gone, but he will always bring joy to our hearts as we celebrate his life and the light he brought to the world. We love you.
Kim and Harold Ocumen
March 24, 2006
We are so lucky to have known John. We will always remember him as the warm, gentle, and giving person that he was. We will keep him in our hearts. Our thoughts are with Karen and his family.
Scott & Candy Hauan
March 24, 2006
Karen, our hearts go out to you and your family. For us, fall will never be the same! All out love...scott & candy
Neville John
March 24, 2006
Karen,
I am fortunate to have met John and you through TNT. I will never forget the support John gave me during my first season.
Neville & Family
Carol Shoaff
March 24, 2006
I was amazed by John and Karen's courage in their battle, never giving up, staying positive as well as always caring for others. Your life coaching we can all draw upon in our own long miles. Thank you for this gift.
Catherine Barry
March 23, 2006
Karen and Family,
Remembering John Dean at the Pacific Grove Trail Run, he was happy and smiling in such a beautiful place. He was calm, much like the landscape and people surrounding. I hope that this time for you is calm and peaceful. Most importantly, that you are surrounded by strong, supportive people. May his memory live on in Pacific Grove and many other beautiful places.
David Fenster
March 23, 2006
karen
my thoughts and those of my family are with you. john has effected me in ways I shall take with me through the rest of my life, and for that - i am eternally grateful.
Frank & Heilda Bellucci
March 23, 2006
John Dean will be greatly missed. His kindness and his love for people will always be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with Karen and family. We will always remember all the wonderful memories we have of John.
Michele Gonzales
March 23, 2006
Dearest Karen.. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I will sadly add John's name to my run jersey and think of him again with our next event and all the many more I plan on running until a cure is found!
May you be blessed with peace, Michele
John & Kim Bozsony
March 23, 2006
John Dean will very much be missed by us. We had a special privilege to have known him. He was only person who was able to compel us to sing in public...and he captured it on video as proof for all to see. John gave so much to us all.
John & Kim Bozsony
Stephanie Jones
March 23, 2006
Dear Karen,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Lisa Armstrong
March 23, 2006
David's sister, Camille Brown is my sister-in-law and I remember David well when he lived in Houston. He was a warm, genuine and caring person who always had a smile on his face. He was fun to be around and loved to play his guitar.
I wish peace for his family during this very difficult time.
Sandra Poirier (Goncharow)
March 23, 2006
Please know that John's family here in Connecticut are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Although the years and miles have kept us apart you are close to our hearts during this time. I hope that fond and happy memories will replace the deep sadness you feel now.
Love,
Cousin Sandy & family
Cathy Portanova
March 23, 2006
Dear Karen, I'm thinking of you constantly and can't even begin to imagine the pain you are feeling. You and John have been such an extremely special couple, your love just radiating to everyone around you. I feel so blessed to have known John. My Dad commented recently that even though he didn't know John well, he could tell what an exceptional gentleman he was. That's how I will always remember him.
Lots of love,
Cathy
Linda and Tola Russell
March 22, 2006
With deepest sympathy to Karen, John's son and sisters, his dear Casey, from two who will remember John as one of the most wonderful human beings we have ever known. John brought joy and happiness to everyone he met. His caring ways and his smile could lighten anyone's day. And he befriended Tola, my Hearing Dog, the day they first met, and the mutual adoration they shared brought happiness to both of them. And once our grief has eased a bit, Tola and I will remember John with love and affection always, for the special person he was - and we will smile in that remembering.
Arthur Norris
March 22, 2006
Our deepest sympathies to John's family. The Arthur Norris family
Elaine Smith
March 22, 2006
My deepest sympathy to Karen, and also to John's family. Peace be with you.
Aunt Elaine
Rich Pizzo
March 22, 2006
Our deepest sympathies go out to Karen and Mike and to Camille and Claudia and their families. John was a wonderful cousin and nephew and although visits were few and far apart, he always remained in our thoughts and we all were extremely proud of him. We will never forget him.
"Bunny" & Gayla Pizzo & Family
Sophie Pizzo
Mick Brown
March 22, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with Karen, and with David's son Mike.
David left behind a wonderful family - he'll always be remembered.
Mick Brown
Steve Virtue
Tongala, Australia
Darling Fischer Memorial Chapel
March 21, 2006
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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