Dean Strait

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lowell Dean Strait, known to us as Dean, on August 21, 2025. Born in Connersville, IN, on June 11, 1948, Dean was a beloved husband, father and grandfather, a steadfast friend, and an unwavering source of strength and support to all who knew him.

In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." This quote embodies Lowell's life. He was the epitome of usefulness, honor, and compassion, spending his career in maintenance at the Winchendon Housing Authority. Whether he was fixing a leaky faucet or helping a neighbor, he did it with a kind heart and a ready smile. Dean brought a tenacious work ethic to the Housing Authority where he served until his well-deserved retirement. His dedication and commitment were matched only by his love for his family and his hometown of Gardner, Massachusetts.

Dean joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 Dean served on the U.S.S. Intrepid from 1965 to 1969, where he did three tours of duty in Vietnam. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, with four campaign stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign, and the Navy Commendation Ribbon.

Dean was a Volunteer firefighter with the Winchendon Fire Department and First Sergeant with the New Hampshire Army National Guard 210th Engineers Det of Peterborough, NH until his retirement from both.

Dean leaves behind his beloved wife of 26 years, Paula Strait, who stood by his side through all the ups and downs that life presented. His love for her was as evident as his warm, welcoming smile. Dean leaves his daughter, April Bulger of Gardner, two step-children, Melissa Bois and her husband, Leo, of Panama City, FL, and Marc Kibort and his wife, Shannon Ouellette of Westminster, MA. Dean also leaves behind three beautiful granddaughters who were the joy of his life Isabel, Bulger, Eden Ouellette, and Vivian Kibort. Dean leaves a sister, Dawn Stott (Michael) of Lawrenceburg IN, and a brother, Shawn Strait (Kerry) of Cincinnati OH. Dean is also survived by his step-mother, Eve Strait. Dean and Paula enjoyed many years of country line dancing until his illness in 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lowell and Mary (Myers) Strait, his daughter Angel Lawrence, and son Jason (J.J.).

He will be remembered for his love of his Country and the great stories he would tell of growing up in Indiana on his uncle's farm. As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate a life magnificently lived and remember the love he had for his family, his passion for his work, and his unwavering kindness. Dean and Paula loved attending Redemption Rock Westminster Foursquare Church

His legacy will continue to inspire and guide us. We invite you to share memories and upload photos of Lowell on his memorial page. Let us remember his captivating spirit, his loving nature, and the indelible mark he left on our hearts.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, August 28th, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at

Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central St., Winchendon, MA.

Dean's Funeral will be at 9:30 am at the Redemption Rock Westminster Foursquare Church, 3 Hagar Park Road, Westminster, MA 01473. Burial will be Friday, August 29th at 11 am in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Montachusett Outreach Center, 2687 Central Street, Gardner, MA 01440, or Care Central VNA & Hospice, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA 01440, or to Redemption Rock Westminster Foursquare Church, P.O. Box 882, Westminster, MA 01473