John Melnott Dean

John Melnott Dean, a longtime resident of Colonial Heights, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 6, 2025, in his daughter's New Jersey home, at the age of 92. He was born on October 30, 1933, in Petersburg, Virginia, to the late James Lee Dean and Virginia Typton Dean.

Following his graduation from Petersburg High School, John proudly served his country in the U.S. Army's 1st Cavalry Division. While on a two-year posting in Japan, he discovered his lifelong passion for photography, a field he pursued further upon returning home by studying advertising at Richmond Professional Institute (now Virginia Commonwealth University). After a distinguished career and retirement from A.H. Robbins, John fulfilled his dream of building a home on the Atlantic Ocean. His final resting place will be off the coast of Virginia.

John's family was his proudest achievement. He is survived by his daughters, Tracy Dean Cifers (Leah Cifers, granddaughter) and Amy Dean Elliott (husband Rob Elliott, and granddaughters Laurel and Willow Elliott), along with cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, John Brian Dean, and his brothers, Arthur Dean and Jimmy Dean.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be private.