David J. Dean

David “Dave” Dean, 81, of The Villages, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on October 14th, 2025. He was born on February 15, 1944 to the late William A. and Geraldine Dean. He grew up in Mt. Lake, Belvidere, N.J. and was a 1963 graduate of Belvidere High School. He attended Churchman Business College and spent the next 40 years working at Dean’s Appliance and Home Furnishing Center, then 7 years at Villa Furniture. He served 6 years in the New Jersey Army National Guard.

On April 9, 1966 he married the love of his life, Juanita “Nita” Scarlett with whom he shared over 59 years of marriage. Together they raised their family in Mt. Lake before retiring to The Villages, Fl. in 2013.

David is survived by his devoted wife Nita and their children: daughter Alicia Learn and husband Ron of The Villages, FL., daughter Dana Schnaitman and husband Tim of East Stroudsburg, PA and son David II and his wife Jess of Riva, MD. Also his beloved grandchildren, Ryan Learn (Audrey), Tyler Learn (Avery) and Jenna Learn, Jarrett Barbaro and Elizabeth, David III and Ethan Dean. He is also PopPop to his great grandchildren Marlena and Brody Learn. He also leaves behind his two sisters, Donna Badger of Texas and Sharon Allison of Florida, and his four dearest friends, Bruce Schott, Mike Taeschler, Tom Szlachtainchyn and Nancy Collett with whom he shared many wonderful memories and happy times.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Bill and Barry Dean and his granddaughter Megan Learn, with whom he is being PopPop to in Heaven.

David was a member and past President of the Washington Rotary Club for 35 years where he made many friends and had so many happy memories. Their motto “Service Above Self” was how David lived his life. He was a kind and caring person who loved everyone he met and was loved in return. David also volunteered at the Habitat for Humanity thrift store. He was a member of The Chapel at Warren Valley.

David and Nita enjoyed spending part of their winters in beautiful Barbados for 27 years. They considered it their home away from home. They also enjoyed their sailing trips with friends throughout the Caribbean, Belize and the Virgin Islands. David loved living in The Villages and made many friends there as well. He especially enjoyed driving his golf cart everywhere. Not a day went by that he didn’t say “Isn’t it beautiful here?” David will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The Memorial service will be held at The Chapel at Warren Valley, Rt. 57, Washington, N.J. on Dec. 11, 2025. Visitation at 10:00 am and the service at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in David’s memory to Cornerstone Hospice at cornerstonehospice.org or to The Washington Rotary Club c/o Elden Mills, NAPA Auto Parts, 203 Rt. 31, Washington, N.J. 07882.