Russell Cass Dean Jr.

Russell Cass Dean, Jr., 75, of Florence, Kentucky, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, April 10, 2025. He was born in Bethesda, Maryland, to his late parents, Russell Cass Dean, Sr., and Leonora Notton Dean.
Russell is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Norma Kay Dean. He was a devoted family man and will be greatly missed by his children: Carrie Rachel Dean, Russell Cass Dean, III (Noemi), Matthew Notton Dean (Chelsea), Amanda Katherine Roth (Timothy), Julie A. Hendrickson (Steven, Jr.), and Susan M. Zimmerman (Joshua). His grandchildren also survive him: Steven A. Hendrickson, III, Jack Hendrickson, Wesley A. Tutsie, Stevie L. Dean, Victoria N. Hane, Miranda A. Hane, Christian A. Hane, Miles P. Hane, Bowman D. Roth, and Vincent F. Roth. Russell is fondly remembered by his siblings: Donna Dean, Karen Roberts (Mike), Carolyn Steele (John), and Gary Dean (Sharon).
He attended Bellbrook High School in Dayton, Ohio, and later went on to Morehead State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and Business Administration and a Master of Higher Education Administration. He also attended Ohio State University for the Executive Program in Hospital Financial Management and Xavier University, where he obtained a Master of Business Administration.
Russell began his career as a TV news anchor and reporter in the Lexington and Louisville areas. In 1974, he accepted an instructor and department head position at Morehead State University. In 1978, he transitioned to hospital administration, starting as an assistant administrator at Highlands Regional Medical Center and later serving as the executive director of Dearborn County Hospital. He was the executive director of the Academy of Medicine in Cincinnati, Ohio, from 1992 to 2005. He later became the CEO of Regency Hospital in Cincinnati and Life Care Hospital in Dayton.
Throughout his career, Russell served his community in many ways. He was the board chair of the Greater Cincinnati Hospital Council, a board member of the American Association of Medical Society Executives, and the board chair of Caring Partners International. He also served as president of the Greater Cincinnati Alliance for Health Promotion, president of the Dearborn County Chamber of Commerce, and board chair of the Community Mental Health Center. Russell was a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, served as a board member and committee chair of Leadership Cincinnati, and was involved with the Rotary, Lions, and Kiwanis Clubs. Additionally, he was the lead singer for the Bright Gospel Quartet for 18 years and participated in several mission trips to Kenya and Guatemala.
Russell was also an entrepreneur and inventor, having helped develop the "Stop-Stick" that assists law enforcement today.
A public celebration of Russell's life will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at Stith Funeral Home, located at 7500 U.S. Hwy 42, Florence, Kentucky, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Memorial contributions in Russell's name may be made to the Russell Dean, Jr. Memorial Fund at any Fifth Third Bank location. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.stithfuneralhome.com.