Karen Dean

Karen Dean obituary

Karen Dean

Karen Dean Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by M. John Scanlan Funeral Home - Pompton Plains on Oct. 16, 2025.

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Karen Dean, 73, passed away on October 14, 2025. She was surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on February 18, 1952, Karen grew up in Pompton Lakes, where she remained a lifelong resident. She was the beloved daughter of the late Carmine and Rosemarie Volpe (nee Sommese). After graduating from Pompton Lakes High School, Karen enjoyed a fulfilling career and retired from State Farm Insurance Company.

Karen found joy in spending time with family and friends. She loved the Jersey shore, taking casino trips and was a dedicated New York Yankees fan. She touched the lives of many with her generous spirit, infectious laughter, and deep devotion to those she loved.

Karen is survived by her sister, Roseanne Balestrino; her brother, Alan Volpe; her niece, Lee-Ann Balestrino and her husband, Kevin Brown; her nephew, Dan R. Balestrino and his wife Nichole; her great niece, Olivia; and many cousins and close friends who will carry her memory in their hearts forever.

Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association or a charity of your choice, in honor of Karen's courageous journey.

Her light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Karen, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Karen Dean's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

October 18, 2025

Donna Reinauer Buis posted to the memorial.

October 18, 2025

Robin Rush Hooper posted to the memorial.

October 17, 2025

Patti & Jimmie Stone posted to the memorial.

3 Entries

Donna Reinauer Buis

October 18, 2025

My family lived two houses away on Schuyler Ave in Pompton Lakes. Both of our families were very close and we all played together with other children on the block. Wonderful memories and we all stayed friends through the years.

Robin Rush Hooper

October 18, 2025

Where do I start! She was a pistol. Always with a laugh. Such a good kind person. We were classmates. Robin Rush Hooper

Patti & Jimmie Stone

October 17, 2025

We're so very sorry to hear about Karen. She was so loved and so much fun to be around. She was always laughing or making everyone else laugh and being the life of the party. Karen will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Rest in peace and fly high!

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M. John Scanlan Funeral Home - Pompton Plains

781 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444

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Sign Karen Dean's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

October 18, 2025

Donna Reinauer Buis posted to the memorial.

October 18, 2025

Robin Rush Hooper posted to the memorial.

October 17, 2025

Patti & Jimmie Stone posted to the memorial.