Francis Leo "Frank" Dean

Francis "Frank" Leo Dean, 82 of Ocala, FL, formerly of Wheaton, IL,

passed away peacefully on February 10th, 2026, at his home in Ocala, FL

with loved ones at his side. Frank was born in Chicago, IL on March 1st,

1943, to Frank and Eileen (Morgan) Dean. He attended high school at

Quigley South Preparatory and St. Mary of the Lake Seminary. He went on

to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from DePaul University in 1963.

Frank married Noreen Frances (Fitzsimmons) Dean in 1970. Frank and

Noreen had three children together and were married for 49 years until her

death in 2019.

Frank joined the US Army in 1964. On February 19th, 1968, he earned the

rank of Green Beret and served bravely and honorably in the 12th Group

Special Forces for several tours. He was honorably discharged from Fort

Bragg, NC in 1971 with the rank of Green Beret, Airborne with Parachute

Badge.

Frank then began a successful career in the insurance industry and

established Francis L. Dean & amp; Associates in 1989, a firm specializing in

sports and entertainment insurance. Alongside his wife and three adult

children, Frank grew FL Dean & amp; Associates into an industry leader and ran

the firm for three decades.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Eileen Dean, and his

wife, Noreen Frances (Fitzsimmons) Dean. Frank is survived by his

sisters, Sister Rita Eileen (Sharon Marie) Dean, O.P. of the Adrian

Dominica order, and Patricia Dean Brees; his three children, John Francis

(Jennifer), Brigid Kathleen (Morgan Davis) and Michael Thomas

(Dominique); his grandchildren, Tyler, Leo, Cole and Tristan; his sister-in-

law, Mary Eileen (Paul) Kreitz and other cousins and extended family.

Frank and Noreen shared a deep love of animals, specifically horses and

dogs, building their first horse stables in Warrenville, IL in 1995. Frank

became a passionate owner of several show horses, and enjoyed watching

his wife, Noreen and daughter, Breda win several national and world titles.

Frank and Noreen embraced the warmth of Florida and spent many years

visiting and then living part-time on Sanibel Island's beaches before

relocating full-time to a spacious horse farm in Ocala, FL for their

retirement in 2010. They continued to enjoy their time on Sanibel Island,

especially during vacations with their children and grandchildren, but they

most enjoyed Ocala, where they could surround themselves with the

beloved horses and dogs that brought them so much joy.

The family is holding a Celebration of Life at The Club at Ocala Preserve,

Oak Room on Friday February 13th, 2026, from 2-6pm. In celebration of his

abiding love for animals, Frank has requested that donations be made in

his name to the Humane Society of Marion County, Florida.

(https://thehsmc.org/donate/)