Thomas Alan "Tad" Dean

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Wayne State University

Thomas Dean Obituary

Thomas “Tad” Alan Dean, Jr, 46, of 208 Ireland Drive, died Tuesday morning. Tad was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Alan and Rebecca Lawrence Dean. He earned a bachelors degree in chemistry from NC State and a PhD in analytical chemistry from Wayne State University. He held the position of Director of Research and Development at Microbac Labs, Southern Testing Division in Wilson at the time of his death. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday in the chapel of Strickland Funeral Home. Tad is survived by his wife, Lisa Oehrl Dean, of Raleigh; his brother and sister-in-law, Spencer L. and Cynthia D. Dean; nephew, Thomas Dean and his niece, Amanda Dean, all of Louisburg. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 8300 Health Park, Suite 10, Raleigh, NC 27615. The family will receive friends Thursday, 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Strickland Funeral Home. Arrangements are by Strickland Funeral Home, Louisburg.

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Published by The News & Observer on May 14, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Dean

8 Entries

Ken, Lynn, & Family Hemler

May 25, 2009

To the Dean family,

My family and I got to know Tad through our cousin, Dr. Kenneth Furton, while they were attending Wayne State University.

He was one of the most friendly and pleasant individuals we have ever met. He was a good conversationalist and was always quick with a smile and had an infectious laugh.

One would be hard pressed to find a more caring and helpful individual. Tad was a regular at our weekly family BBQ's and often volunteered to be the chef. He also helped with a lot of our "projects" around the house. We thought so much of him that we asked him to watch/stay at our house when we went on vacation. After he moved back home we visited him in NC as well.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Keith Mosteller

May 19, 2009

To the Dean family,

I went to college with Spence and I am sorry to hear of the loss of Tad. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Paul Holder

May 15, 2009

Lisa,

I was profoundly saddened to learn of Tad’s passing. I have been in touch with my STRL colleagues infrequently since leaving there more than ten years ago, but this news brought back a flood of memories of Wilson and STRL. My family and I cherish our memories of both. Today, I’m reminded of good times at the lab and good times on the road with Tad (Interphex, 1995, and navigating Manhattan with Tad and others is a time I’ll never forget). Tad has always been, in my mind, one of the icons of STRL. There was very little that happened there that did not have his hand in it. He was, in ways, larger than life and I can therefore only imagine the void that his passing has now left in the lives of those close to him.

Rhonda Howell

May 14, 2009

Lisa and Tad's family: I had the priveledge of working with Tad for 11 years. He was the greatest man and friend that anyone could ask for. The memories of Jimmy Buffet and all the other wonderful times will be cherished forever. He will be missed by everyone that had the priveledge of knowing him. Lisa, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Words can not express how truly sorry I am for your loss.

Jack Davis

May 14, 2009

I got to know Tad via Lisa. He was always pleasant, extremely talented and constantly helping someone. Qualities we should all strive for. He will be sorely missed.

Debbie Collins

May 14, 2009

Lisa,

Though I have experienced the sudden loss of my husband as well, I understand I can not begin to know what you feel. Tad was a wonderful person to everyone he befriended. I think back on the role he played in my life. It was with great wisdom that he gave me advice that resulted in the out come of my career.

I also believe that if each of us would live our lives as he did and share our experiences as freely and happily as he, we would each be rewarded in life as you and Tad. Please know that I will continue to think of you both often. If you ever need to talk just call.

Jimmy Pridgen

May 14, 2009

Tad, Just to know you was amazing and to have you as a friend was more than I could have ever asked for. You will be missed more than you will ever know. All of our trips together will be cherished forever, and your spirit will continue to travel with me where ever I may roam. Vaya con Dios my friend.

Fran Wheless Dunne

May 14, 2009

To Tad's Family and to Spence - I grew up and went to school with Tad and always considered him to be a great friend. I am saddened to hear of his death. My thoughts are with you.

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