Dean Fiske Kimball

Dean Fiske Kimball, 93 of Westford, passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on the morning of February 11, 2026. Dean was born on January 18, 1933, to Lindsley F. Kimball and Maude Kouwenhoven in Brooklyn, New York. Dean is survived by his nine children: Cheryl Kimball (and husband Robert Keegan), Laurence Kimball, Lucia Kimball (and husband Peter Kimball), Mary Lou Brown (and husband Shawn Brown), Thomas Kimball, Maura Lemon (and husband Craig Lemon), Elizabeth Kimball, John Kimball and Katrina Lackner (and husband John Lackner), as well as other loving family. Dean was especially proud of his 18 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

He shared his zealous faith in Christianity with many. He was often found with his nose in a book, drafting an instructional guide on reading the Bible, or engineering elaborate snow tunnels for his children and grandchildren—always with the same mischievous wit that filled every moment with laughter and joy.

Living deep in Red Sox territory as a devoted Yankees fan, he mastered the art of good-natured rivalry and proudly wore his pinstripes, even when it drew a few raised eyebrows. Dean had a lifelong passion for rocks and a remarkable grasp of geology, which he shared with genuine curiosity and joy. On family trips, he often wandered off the trail in search of new specimens to add to his collection.

Dean Graduated from Manhasset High School in Manhasset, NY, in 1951. Following high school, he went on to earn a B.A. in mathematics and physics at Brown University in Providence, RI (1955). While studying at Brown, Dean developed an interest in optical physics and spectroscopy. He decided to pursue this interest by working towards an advanced degree at Johns Hopkins University. While working in the Astrophysics and Physical Meteorology Laboratories as a graduate student, Dean met and later married the daughter of Professor John D. Strong. Dean and Virginia were happily married for the next 58 years.

After completing his studies at Johns Hopkins University, Dean entered active-duty service with the United States Air Force, receiving a direct commission in 1957. He was assigned to the Air Force Intelligence Center, Washington DC where he researched the propagation of electromagnetic waves through ionized regions of the atmosphere. Dean rose to the rank of Captain before leaving the service.

Upon completing his tour of duty with the Air Force, Dean eventually became a Research Physicist at the Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratory (AFCRL), at Hanscom AFB, Bedford, Massachusetts. Dean worked at AFCRL (later AFGL) for 39 years in the Radiation Effects Branch. His expertise was in the design, development, testing, and flight of various rocket-borne infrared sensors.

While working at AFCRL, Dean began a twelve-year journey at the Weston School of Theology in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Dean managed to earn a Master of Divinity degree while working full-time and raising nine kids.

Dean spent most of his retired life studying the New Testament and teaching about the bible in various CCD classes and bible study groups. It is clear, looking back at the events that make up Dean's life, that he was truly blessed. The Lord kept a careful watch over one of his most devoted followers. One thing is certain: Dean has ascended into heaven and is now experiencing the glory of God.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Dean for a period of visitation on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at Badger Funeral Home, 347 King St., Littleton, MA, 01460. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 9:00am at Blessed Trinity Parish - St Anne Church, located at 75 King Street, Littleton, Massachusetts, 01460. Following Mass, burial will take place at Pine Grove Cemetery, 68 Forge Village Rd., Westford, MA, 01886.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Nature Conservancy at www.nature.org

Arrangements are under the care of Badger Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, 347 King St., Littleton, MA, 01460. 978-486-3709