DEAN HOPPER

DEAN (DINO) HOPPER
November 28, 1963 - October 5, 2025
Dean (Dino) Hopper of Santa Fe, who dedicated his career in education to the connection between health and academic success, died on October 5, 2025. He was 61.
Born in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on November 28 (Thanksgiving Day), 1963, to Eldeane and Kaye Hopper, Dean began his career of service in 1989 as a communications teacher at a vo-tech high school and later at Alameda Junior High, both in Santa Fe. Beloved by students and colleagues, Dean was often showered with warm memories and gratitude when he ran into former students.
Insightful, creative, and generous, Dean was a passionate advocate for student health programs that recognize the link between well-being and academic achievement. In keeping with that mission, he left the classroom in 1995 and joined the New Mexico Department of Health as a disease prevention specialist. He later served as a health educator and then as the HIV Education Program Coordinator for the New Mexico Public Education Department.
Dean was eventually promoted to Assistant Director of the School Health Unit and retired as Director of the Safe and Healthy Schools Bureau in March 2020-ending a 30-year career in the same building, with the same bureau. His compassion extended to everyone around him, and he often championed the needs of the most vulnerable while pushing for progressive change.
After retiring, Dean-a zealous reader-let creativity and his love of language guide him. He spent his first year of retirement completing his original novel, Clarity. In addition to his nightly routine of devouring good books, Dean enjoyed traveling and offering support and guidance to friends and neighbors.
It wasn't long, however, before his expertise was once again called upon. He returned to work as a contractor for the Public Education Department, continuing his commitment to the causes he believed in.
Dean is survived by his loving partner of 25 years, Anthony Cadavas; his sister, Terri Gaussoin, and her husband, Kristofer; and his nephew, Thomas Gaussoin. He also leaves behind many other nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends who loved him fiercely.
Honoring Dean's wishes, his ashes will be scattered privately by his family. A celebration of his life will be held in Santa Fe at a later date. Those wishing to express condolences or receive more information about the life celebration may contact Terri, Dean's sister, at terrigaussoin@gmail.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you pick up a good book, light a candle for the dark, and offer an open hand and heart in service to someone nearby.