D. Frank Dean Sr.

On May 18, 2025, D. Frank Dean Sr. passed away peacefully at his home that he shared with his loving wife of 46 years, Deb. They were married May 19, 1979.
Frank was born on June 19, 1952 in Norton, VA to the late Milford T. and Ruby J. (Ball) Dean. He moved to Sandusky when he was 5 years old. He graduated from Sandusky High School in 1970. Frank loved the Cleveland Browns. One of his favorite accomplishments was playing semi-pro football for the Bellevue Bears. He loved fishing and softball. He was an avid blood donor. Frank donated 136 lifetime donations totaling 17 gallons. Frank retired from General Motors after 30 years in 2008.
Frank could always be found with family. He loved having picnics at Mill Hollow and swimming at East Harbor. He loved to take his daughters, his sister, Mary, and his nephews Danny Joe, David, Donny, Tommy and son, Douglas to Blue Bridge to catch crawfish and skip rocks. He and his brother, Tom, could be found refereeing softball and football games between the nieces and nephews during family get-togethers. He loved playing with his nieces, Vicki and Yvonne, when swimming at his sister, Betty's house. He loved running his youngest daughter, Domi, and her friends around the town. He loved playing cards with his sister, Betty and brother-in-law, Gary. He loved taking walks especially when he was taking the grandkids to buy ice cream.
Frank loved to take his wife, Deb, to Pennsylvania to visit her family. He loved his in-laws. Frank also loved to tell stories about his childhood and his time spent with his good friends Dave Dunfee, Charlie Denhart, and Doc Lawson and his many other friends. He always kept his brother, Roger's name alive.
In addition to his own children, Frank fostered over 200 kids for 23 years in Erie County, many of whom he maintained close relationships with until his death.
Frank is survived by his wife of 46 years, Deborah (Killinger) Dean; Children, Debbie of Sandusky, Shelly (Kevn) of Sandusky, Michelle (Mike) of Tiffin, Douglas Jr. of Sandusky and Domi (Trey) of Clarksville, TN.. He is also survived by his siblings, Betty (Gary) Pitsenbarger of Sandusky, Tom Dean of Castalia, Jeanie (Al) Butter of LaGrange, KY, Mary Dean of Sandusky; brothers-in-law, Richard Killinger of Juanita, PA, and Steve Davidson of Sandusky; sisters-in-law, Kathy Baker of Sandusky, Gretta Corle of Tyrone, PA., Linda Price of Sandusky, Darlene Staugh of Sandusky, Gladys Killinger of Sandusky, and Judy Killinger of Altoona, PA; grandchildren: Bernie, Drew (Ellen), Zach, Alexxis (Rob), Brandon, Cameron (Kara), Hunter, Rachel (Jackson), Dougie III (Destiny), Sam, Owen, Amanda, Luke, Alena, Ariana, Amiri (Alaysia), Albi, Mark, Antwone, Dezi and Dimitri; great-grandchildren, Zakhi, A-Niyah, Vera, Dakota, and Absidy. And many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and friends.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Roger Dean; sister, Dana Lewis, and grandson, Bailey Hickey.
We are going to honor Frank by doing what he loved most and that was spending time with family and friends while having a picnic. Please join us from 12 - 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 24th, at the Sandusky Bay Pavilion, 605 E. Water St, Sandusky, Ohio. Graveside Services will be at Meadow Green Memorial Park on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.
Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.