Thomas A. Dean

DEAN, THOMAS A., of Pepperell, MA, age 72, died at his home, May 5. Born in Ft. Pierce, FL, he was the son of Alton H. Dean and Inez Richardson Dean of Orlando, FL. He attended school in Ft. Pierce and Eufaula, AL and left to join the U.S. Air Corps at age 15. He was trained in helicopter maintenance in the U.S. Air Corps. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served in the Military Police and continued with the aviation branch of the Army. During his career, he served in the United States and all over the world. He served at the end of World War II, during the Korean Conflict, and during the Viet Nam Era. He was awarded the Bronze Star at Tan Son Nhut airbase in Viet Nam for meritorious achievement while assisting in the recovery of a downed helicopter in the Republic of Vietnam. Working in waist deep water, under continuous Viet Cong fire, Specialist Dean repaired and flew the helicopter to safety. He retired after more than 22 years of service. Mr. Dean attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Dayton Beach, FL where he continued his studies in aviation. In civilian life he worked for Raytheon in missile assembly, and for Sweetheart Plastics in Wilmington, MA, from which he retired in 1991. He was a member of Pepperell American Legion. He loved animals, always 'tinkering' on his cars, loved sports and especially enjoyed attending his kids games where he always cheered them on! He was as devoted fan for the New England Patriots and after many years he finally got to see them win a Super Bowl! He is survived by his mother; his wife, Patricia Smith Dean of Pepperell; his children, David and his wife Susan, Catherine and her husband Michael Labrecque, Jeffery and his wife Mary, Jason and his wife Kate, Russell, and Michael; three grandchildren, Matthew, Meagan, and Theresa, all of Pepperell, Ma; two sisters, Carolyn Merrick of Orlando and Clara Wilson of Venice, FL. He was predeceased by his former wife, Winnifred Brooks Dean; and two daughters, Deborah Ann and Kimberly Rose.