James F. "Tot" Dean

1928 - 2019

James F. "Tot" Dean, 90, of Vermilion, went home to be with the Lord Friday, January 18, 2019, at his home after a lengthy illness. He was born March 13, 1928 in Lancaster, OH, and had been a life long Vermilion resident. James graduated from Vermilion High School in 1946 and served in the United State Army and the United States Navy during the Korean War. He worked for Ohio Edison as a foreman building substations for years 36 years, retiring in 1990. He was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church, Vermilion, a life member of AMVETS Post #22, and a 45-year member of the Sandusky Ham Radio Club. James enjoyed fishing, gardening, photography, electronics, and he especially enjoyed woodworking and spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marjorie (nee Sokol) Dean of Vermilion; sons, Mark (Debbie) Dean of Vermilion, James Dean of Cleveland, Matthew Dean of Vermilion, David (Carol) Maslanka of SC, and James (Ina) Maslanka of Fernandina Beach, FL; daughters, Diana (Glenn) Torgerson of New London, and Sally (Tim) O'Neal of Vermilion; 18 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren who affectionately referred to him as "Tot"; and his brothers, Danny (Jane) Dean of Vermilion, and Benny (Cheryl) Dean of Yuma, AZ. He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis Justice and Bertha Faye (nee Poole) Dean; daughter, Toni Deel; sister, Thelma Rust; and his brother, Norman "Jack" Dean. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 6:00 p.m. at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio. The Reverend Allison LeBrun will officiate. The Vermilion Veterans Council will conduct Military Honors just prior to the memorial service at 6:00 p.m. The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences may be made at:www.riddlefuneralhome.com