David Robert Dean

David Robert Dean, 76, died unexpectedly at Christiana Hospital on Friday, December 5th.

He is survived by his loving wife Barbara of 41 years, sons Samuel and Benjamin (Abigail), and sister Theresa Wilson (Norman), five nieces and nephews, and four great-nieces and great-nephews. He is also survived by his brother James (Betty), half-sister Trudy Main, and stepchildren Michael Junkins, Mikey Junkins, and Michelle Biering. Dave was preceded in death by his parents Merritt and E. Francine Dean, and brother Parker Eugene Dean.

Dave served in the US Navy for four years and often spoke of his years on the CVN-71 USS Theodore Roosevelt performing his duties as an aviation ordnance man on the flight deck. He was a member of the American Legion Post 194 in Rising Sun, MD.

Dave owned a small home improvement business but also worked various jobs, including car salesman and Superintendent of the Cecil County Landfill. He retired at age 62, immediately assuming all the household responsibilities while his wife continued to work full-time in the career she loves. In his retirement, he became an exceptionally avid cook. He focused on flavor and presentation, constantly altering recipes to elevate them to his standard. Many can testify to the amazing food that came from Dave's kitchen.

He was a member of Freedom Church, Rising Sun, MD. He quickly became a prayer warrior and mentor, and coach of men. He led many small groups, opening his heart to countless men who relied on him for guidance through their life struggles, such as marriage issues, addiction, grief, and falling away from God. He trained up men to lead others.

Dave and Barbara loved to travel. His most memorable trips were an African safari in Tanzania, a medical mission trip to Nairobi, Kenya, and, most recently, a fishing excursion on Kodiak Island, Alaska.

Dave also loved football and baseball, and especially rooting for the Philadelphia teams and Virginia Tech. He studied the prospective players like it was his job, even creating his own player rankings and mock drafts.

He will be remembered by his powerful bear hugs, kind spirit, and desire and dedication to help and pray for others.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 12th from 6-8 PM at the Crouch Funeral Home, 127 S Main Street, North East, MD 21901. Additional visitation will continue Saturday, December 13th from 10-11 AM at Freedom Church, 51 Colonial Way, Rising Sun, MD, 21911. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 13th at 11 AM at Freedom Church, 51 Colonial Way, Rising Sun, MD, 21911.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be given to the Armani Foundation. In 2023, Dave and I went to Kenya on our first medical mission trip together. While there, we fell in love with the children at our church sponsored Amani Hope Center. This center is home to over 200 children, half of whom live there full-time. Amani needs to build and start a high school so the older kids no longer have to be sent away to boarding school. I know Dave would love to see this project completed. So, all memorial gifts for Dave can be given to help these precious children thrive into adulthood. You can give online here:  http://amanifoundation.org/currentprojects and select the "Freedom Hope Center, Amani High School Building" project.