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JOHN DEAN Obituary
JOHN HOWARD DEAN Mr. John Howard Dean, 67, of Vero Beach, went to be with the Lord on June 8, 2014, Pentecost Sunday, from his home in Vero Beach. John grew up in Chester, NJ, and lived in Vero Beach for over 40 years. He inherited strong family values from his parents and his aunts and uncles, learning to appreciate beauty and character and the things of God, and valuing faithfulness and hard work. John earned a Bachelors in Fine Arts at The College of William and Mary, and a Masters in Architecture from Ohio University. John was an enthusiastic long term member of the local, state, and national American Institution of Architects. He has served the Vero Beach and surrounding communities for over 35 years as the Principal of his firm, john h. dean Architect & Associates. Many beautiful buildings, parks, and other projects will attest to John's skill and love for people for many years to come. He always did his work as unto God. He loved the Lord, and enjoyed being a parishioner at St. Helen Catholic Church, Vero Beach. The Eucharist was the center core of his faith. He could not keep the Lord to himself, and spent his energy in Men's Ministry, discipling many and always full of the Holy Spirit. He was Director of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal for the Catholic Diocese of Palm Beach, Florida. John's enthusiasm for the Holy Spirit is his legacy to his family and friends and his community of faith. John's interests always included historic preservation. One notable effort was the saving of the Heritage Center here in Vero, a huge asset that would have been lost but for John's and the Vero Beach Historic Society's determination to save it. This team also managed to preserve the historic Jungle Trail in Wabasso. John also loved working to protect family values and community life, as evidenced by his 10 year tenure as Chairman of the Board for the Gifford Youth Activity Center, which is changing the fabric of life for young people in that community. John was known for standing vigil every week on the sidewalk in support of the value of human life. Recently John was honored by the Exchange Club of Vero Beach as the 2014 recipient of their Book of Golden Deeds award, given for selfless service to the community. Survivors include John's beloved wife of 27 years, Carolyn Dean of Vero Beach; stepson, James Disinger (Christy) of DeBary, FL; stepdaughter, Jessica Jackson (David) of Pahrump, NV; brothers, Tom Dean (Barb) of Winchester, VA, Marc Dean and David Dean, Sr. both of Chester, NJ; sister, Joanne Geller (Scott) of Blacksburg, VA, sisters-in-law Sr. Jeanne Agans of Wayne, NJ, Marjorie Cozzetto (Sam) of Huntington, NY, brothers-in- law Michael Agans (Maryann) of Bound Brook, NJ, David Agans (Gail) of Amherst, NH, Tom Agans (Linda) of Hilliard, OH, grandsons, Joshua Reichard of Dublin, OH and Braden Disinger of DeBary, FL; granddaughters, Emily Reichard of Dublin, OH and Deanna Disinger of DeBary, FL; nieces Beth Windsor, Amanda Dean, Joann Dean, Morgan Dean, Christina Cozzetto, Cynthia Cozzetto, Elizabeth Agans, Jennifer Agans, Krystle Agans; nephews, T.K. Dean, Adam Dean, David Dean, Jr., Michael Dean, Chris Agans, Kevin Agans, Richard Agans, James Agans, and grand nieces and nephews. Contributions in memory of John H. Dean may be made to St. Helen's Men's Ministry or St. Helen Charismatic Prayer Group, C/O Deacon Dave Hankle, 2085 Tallahassee Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32960. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 13, 2014 at St. Helen Catholic Church. A Prayer Service will be held 7:00 p.m that night. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 14, 2014 in the Church. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall, interment will be announced. Arrangements are under the direction of Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach. An online guest book is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for JOHN DEAN
Dennis Bartholomew
June 4, 2025
Whenever I drive past the home John & Carolyn lived in, (which is often), I look over, think of him, and miss him. Those of us who had the privilege to know John were lucky. He was the most welcoming person, with the biggest heart, and the best smile. He touched so many in our community with his compassion and left a legacy that will last forever.
David Schertzing
February 24, 2025
I was driving by Vero Beach this week and mentioned a story to my wife of a time back in 1976, I drove down to Florida for a vacation all alone at the age of 19.
My truck's transmission broke at Vero Beach. I was alone and unable to find a place to stay while the truck was being worked on. They had to order parts, and it would take more than a week to repair.
I took a walk down the street and wasn't sure of my next move. I thought I'd hitch-hike to the beach to think, and a van stopped to pick me up. It was John.
I told him my story and he said, "you seem like an ok guy; you can stay at my place if you'd like ". He put me up at his place for the week and was just a tremendous friend!
I was hoping to contact him when my wife found out what has transpired.
Rest in peace John! You were a friend to a stranger who had nowhere to go! You made a difference in my life and I believe that is the ultimate goal of all of us. Make a difference in someone's life.
Thanks John!
Dennis Bartholomew
June 4, 2023
I think of John often, what a great heart and generous spirit.
Benjamin Paul Zelno
June 4, 2023
Remembering John as a true friend of which one does not encounter during a lifetime!
Rest in peace my friend!
Tom Frederick
June 4, 2023
Miss you and your creative, spontaneous cooking
Dawn Trodglen
June 8, 2022
Missing you every single day john!!
Krempel Gerri
June 4, 2022
Still missing you!
Christie Corrigan
January 19, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. I have returned to Vero and had hoped to team up once again to bring revival to Vero. Last time, I was 14 years old. Now, almost 50 years later, I am missing my friend. He invited me to be the only female, only youth, to a pastor's breakfast every Monday morning at Howard Johnson's. He had me lead youth in Key '73 (1973) Operation Proclamation where I got to meet Nicky and Gloria Cruz. Oh how I wish we could talk one more time so I would know how to continue your legacy. I have made revival a lifetime pursuit, attending Oral Roberts University, and have recently lived in Redding, Ca. and attended Bethel Church. Jack, I hope I have made you proud. Dance with Jesus for me.
Fr Richard Champigny, O. Carm.
June 4, 2019
We talked about John recently when we were remembering the origins of our Prayer Meeting. John was a vital part of our Life in the Spirit Seminars. Our Prayer Meetings are vibrant and full of praise. Thanks for your leadership, John. I'm sure you are right up there praising the Lord with all the angels and saints. Thanks again!
Benjamin Paul Zelno
June 4, 2019
I was honored to be a pallbearer for John
Dean. John left a legacy of sound Christian principled support for those who knew him! His strong support tempered with advise carried us thru difficult times that we encountered!
My lif is better for having known John and I try to carry his spirit like I carried his casket!! Miss you, my friend!
Paul Zelno
joanne deab
December 28, 2014
Love you and think of you each day. Your little sister
Gregory Bressler
July 1, 2014
My most sincere condolences to the entire Dean Family. I have often thought of Jack since we parted the evening of Memorial Day 2005 when his memorial to another departed son of Chester, Larry Maysey, was dedicated.
While he left a legacy through his design work throughout Florida, he left a much more significant impact upon those of us that grew up with him in Chester.
May Jack's spirit live on in those whose lives were so enriched by his presence and may he find everlasting peace with the Lord.
Pope John Paul II, john and Carolyn Dean
Dawn Trodglen
June 23, 2014
joanne geller
June 21, 2014
Thinking of you every day.
June 21, 2014
I adore you my Dear Brother John (Jack). You walk beside me each day and I am only a better person because of how you have walked your live. I love you, your little sister Joanne
June 19, 2014
May he rest in peace.the Vatland Family
Mark Edmonds
June 19, 2014
We are privileged to have worked with John as our architect as we built Patisserie Vero Beach. John was determined, charismatic, pragmatic and professional. He was our strongest advocate countless times with contractors, the city and county, permitting, and more. Once he saw our vision and recognized the Patisserie potential he went out of his way to ensure that it was achieved. Once we opened he was a customer and supporter. His fine work and leadership helped us earn the Indian River Chamber of Commerce 2013 Architecture Recognition Award for Commercial Redevelopment.
We are thankful to have known and worked with him so recently. He will forever be a part of our Patisserie family and will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences to Carolyn and his friends and family. -- Mark, Christian, Chef Michael and the rest of the Patisserie family
Gerri Krempel- Rorick
June 17, 2014
My dearest Carolyn,
There are no words to say how much we loved john and you. There were so many times john called me to help me thru the loss of Larry and then later his goofy text messages of encouragement as we struggled to open Women's Care Center. No one else did that for me, only john. God will surely bless him for all the times he reached out to those in need! And those times are countless as we have heard only recently. John never waited for someone to call him to ask for help, he went out and knocked on their door. What a disciple he was and how God must love him!
He loved you, Carolyn, more than words. It showed on his face as he stood against the back wall of St. Helen Parish Center watching you perform for the kids or lead a singing group. Absolute joy and pride all over his face! You are both such examples of service and love, you have touched us all and we are better. Continue to make john proud as you struggle thru your intense grief and know we will all be here for you,...because that's what john did for so many.
Vinny & Donna Flynn
June 17, 2014
Carolyn, our hearts are with you. Count on our ongoing prayers for John, and for you as you deal with such a great loss. May the Lord give you strength and comfort.
Susan Cerdan
June 17, 2014
Dear Carolyn,
What a shock to lose such a good man, at such a young age. John was such a righteous person and a wonderful friend, he will be missed by all. My prayers are with you and John's soul, as I know he went directly to heaven, he is among the angels now. God bless you both, may his love be with you forevermore. You were so fortunate to be with him as a loving wife and companion for so long....
Kay Leary
June 16, 2014
Carolyn and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. John was such a nice man and did so much for St. Helen parish and Vero Beach. Our condolences, Patrick & Kay Leary and Family
David & Linda Sullivan
June 16, 2014
John was a great man who touched many lives in a positive, spiritual way. His light shone very brightly and he will be greatly missed in this community. Carolyn, our thoughts and prayers are with you, John and your family. God Bless You!
David & Linda Sullivan
Laurianne Tupek
June 15, 2014
As a former member of St Helen's church and prayer group,I wish to extend my condolences to Carolyn and the rest of his extended family on his loss. I was surprised when it was announced today at my current parish, Holy Cross as I had no idea he had been ill. My prayer and thoughts are with you Carolyn during this most very difficult time. May God grant you peace and courage to gather the strength to continue without him by your side.
Laurianne Tupek
Michael Cairns
June 15, 2014
God looked around his garden
and found an empty space
Then He looked down upon this earth
and saw John's face
He put his arms around John
and lifted him to rest
Carolyn...Our thoughts are with you, John was such a good man!
Michael and Katherine Cairns
God's garden must be beautiful
He only takes the best
Steven Chilberg
June 15, 2014
John was a good friend and will miss our conversations and prayers.
Dennis Bartholomew
June 14, 2014
My Friend I know you are with God. We will miss you dearly. John was respected, loved, admired for his generosity, and inspirational in his faith. His memory will not fade. He remains with us; everyday we see his work in so many places in our community. My heart goes out to you Carolyn and your family. John will be missed.
Roger Sherman
June 14, 2014
I worked for john on my summer break as a draftsman and later as an intern-architect. John brought spiritual energy to architecture beyond the art, craft, and technical dimensions and emphasized building strong foundations. John really cared about his community, participated in democracy as an American, and put God front and center.
Lisa "Kent" Namour
June 13, 2014
Carolyn my deepest condolences to you and your family. As the saying goes "it takes a village to raise a child."
I was so very fortunate to raise both of my son's with people like you and John as part of our families Village. Especially for my son Danny I credit both you and John for so much of his continued love and discipline of both music and prayer. I only wish I had told John thank you for the role he played when we last saw you both. I hope in some way he knows. He was a very special and caring person and I know he will linger in our hearts for a very long time.
Please let us know if there is anything you need,
All our Love and prayers,
Bob Sammons
June 13, 2014
we, The citizens of IRC lost a devoted and dedicated man in John. May he rest in peace. God Bless
Bob Sammons
Tom Loughman
June 13, 2014
Dear Carolyn and family, and the Dean family, I am saddened by your loss and that John had to endure his disease. I wish you peace and consolation.
J B Egan
June 13, 2014
What a guy! Our paths crossed many times at St. Helens and with the care he took handling projects for the Sexton family. I never saw him "down" but always "up" as he went thru life. He liked to look stern but he had that glint in his eye and sly smile on his lips. I am blessed for having known him and our community has been blessed having him be a part of it. May God bless john and Carolyn and the entire family.
John Garmong
June 13, 2014
I just received the sad news of John's passing. I worked with him on several projects in the Vero Beach area and always had the utmost respect for him. In addition to being an outstanding, professional architect; John was a very warm, caring person. When I retired almost 5 years ago, I knew that I would miss working with John. He was a wonderful person to work with and also a great guy outside the office as well. My sincere condolences to his loving family.
The Stanbridges
June 13, 2014
Carolyn and family - so much to say for a truly great man. Every person and every community needs a special person like John. John's love and legacy is all around us as our prayers are with you and yours.
Ruth and Bill
Tom & Ginny Frederick
June 13, 2014
John was a true Pentecost man!
Curt Oxford
June 13, 2014
John Dean was a hard working faithful servant of Christ. He has gone on to meet his Savior face to face and receive his reward. I look forward to seeing him again in the new Jerusalem. My love and prayers goes out to Carolyn and the rest of the family.
Ginny Beigel
June 13, 2014
John was such a personable, good-natured man. It was always a pleasure working with him when he had business with the city. I'm smiling thinking about him. I am sincerely sorry for your loss.
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Weitzel
June 13, 2014
Dear Carolyn and family,
You are in our prayers and we wish you peace with your special memories of the life you shared with John.
Virginia Davis
June 13, 2014
I am so happpy to have known John as a friend. He was strong in his faith and an inspiration to all who met him.
Steve Reichard
June 13, 2014
John was an excellent grandfather to my children, and he will be missed.
Bruce Barkett
June 13, 2014
Carolyn and Family: I am so sorry to hear about John. He was truly special. Not only a great professional, but a great person: caring, gifted, funny, devout, loyal: I cannot say enough about what a wonderful friend and person was John.
Eric Menger
June 13, 2014
On behalf of everyone at the Vero Beach Airport, I send our most sincere condolences to the family. John was a creative, intelligent, caring and spiritual man who spent most of his life in support of his community of Vero Beach and Indian River County. This is a great loss to the community and we will all miss him very much.
Very Rev Joseph Kamanda
June 13, 2014
Carolyn, I thank you and John for the privilege you gave me these years to share your faith and life. May John rest in perfect peace.
Very Rev Joseph T. Kamanda
Sierra Leone, West Africa
Diane & Walter Chazotte
June 12, 2014
Carolyn & Family: How very much John's physical presence will be missed. It's a smile, a pat on the back as he walked by, the multiple times he visited Mom when we were not here,the fresh orchids she loved, those things will live in our hearts forever. John also left behind a legacy of living spirituality. He will be alive forever! Diane & Walter Chazotte
Monty Chipman
June 12, 2014
John's influence as an architect and as a loving, dedicated Christian man extends all the way to Corvallis, Oregon, where he gave wise and helpful advice to my dad on how to make his house better suited for care of my mom who was in a wheelchair. Our family here on the West Coast will always be grateful to him!
M/M Michael Eisert
June 12, 2014
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. We are very sorry for your loss. He is now your angel watching over you. Cathco, Inc.
Stan Parham
June 12, 2014
Carolyn & family my prayers to you.
St. Helen's & Indian River County have lost another great leader.
Stan Parham (Vero Beach)
John & Judy Irvin
June 12, 2014
Our prayers and love are with you Carolyn as you learn to adjust to life without your best friend and soulmate. My God give you the strength you need and may your own deep faith give you the peace that surpasses understanding. John will be missed. Heaven has welcomed home another warrior, a good and faithful servant!
Walt & Christine Brown
June 12, 2014
Carolyn, What an honor to have had the opportunity to work with and develop a friendship with your beloved husband John. A pillar of strength, creativity and a kind gentle soul. He'll be missed by so many but live on in spirit. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Randy and Therese Cirner
June 12, 2014
Our love and prayers to John's family and friends. He was/is an unforgetable man, both in personality and spirituality. We have spent many hours in his creative presence and go away feeling renewed.
Tommy Steyer
June 12, 2014
Vero Beach will lose a great spiritual leader and friend as was
John Dean, whom, although I did not know very well, had a
great impact on many lives for his knowledge, drive, as well
as his deep convictions of faith, hope,trust and love to others.
FrRichard Champigny,O Carm
June 12, 2014
John was truly a "man of God"! Here, at St. Jude Parish,in Boca Raton, John was a key figure in starting and helping to grow in the Spirit for our Prayer Meeting. How many times John and sometimes Carolyn as well, came down from Vero to Boca (and back) on the same night. When John led the "Life in the Spirit" Baptism, you knew the Spirit was present!A little over a week before he went to the Spirit, he called me "to say goodbye"! No one has ever done that before! I was deeply moved and appreciative but really not surprised. That was a totally typical move for John. Our prayer group is eternally grateful to John for his assistance and prayers. He told me too, that he was praying for our Group. That he would even think of us as he was dying and suffering is a testimony to the man's holiness and generosity. Tues nite, June 17, at 7PM we will be honoring John at our Healing Mass. All are welcome. Eternal Rest grant to him, O,Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed,through the mercy of God, REST IN PEACE! . Amen.
FatherJohn Pasquini
June 12, 2014
John was a great warrior for Christ, a great prolifer and a great charismatic leader on fire for Christ. We have now gained a saint in heaven as he has passed on the baton of faith to us to carry on. Fr. John Pasquini
Rosemarie Wilson
June 12, 2014
Vero Beach had the good fortune to have John, who contributed so much to his fellow man and our community. He had a big heart and a sharp mind. His presence was a joy and a blessing for all of us.
Art Neuberger
June 12, 2014
Such a great guy!! I and all of Vero Beach will miss John and his never ending efforts to better our community..
Nancy Carter
June 12, 2014
John was a Godly man who loved his Savior, his family, his friends, and his community. It was a privilege to know and work with him. My sincere sympathy to his family.
June 12, 2014
Joanne, Sorry on the loss of your brother.
Nancy (Wraith) Wells
Douglas Hole
June 12, 2014
May God bless the Dean family. Jack will be missed but his spirit will live in.
Sally Call Fuller
June 12, 2014
I grew up in Chester, New Jersey, with Jack Dean. Our families knew each other well...aunts and grandparents, too. I lost touch with Jack until very recently when Joanne and I "friended" on FaceBook. When she talked about Jack's health issues, I asked her for his address, phone number, so I could write and let him know I was thinking about him. He called me and we had several Grat phone calls and texting times before he wasn't able to do it anymore. How grateful I am to have reconnected with my childhood friend. He is with God and Larry Maysey now.
Trudy Biesantz, cousin
June 11, 2014
Prayers to you. John's passing is a loss for all that knew him.
Joanne Dean Geller
June 11, 2014
John is my brother and my life was so enriched by him. He had a gift for living life with dedication, joy, passion and a heart opened to all. I got to share listening to the phone calls to say goodbye to many and it was so touching. It is just a reminder that we all must take time to thank others and John lived his life just doing that. He has touched so many and I will for ever be grateful for how he stood by and cared for our parents when they were sick. He has been a gift and I will walk with him in my heart and be a better person because of HIM.
Joanne Dean Geller
June 11, 2014
John is one of my brothers. I have always cherished him. I would travel with him to all his jobs and found such joy in watching him create his ideas. He was an outstanding example of true kindness, leadership, dedication and humor. My heart aches but I will walk as a stronger person because of him.
Frederick Schaeffer
June 11, 2014
Sincere Condolences and prayers for peace and light for Carolyn and his family. John did so much good in his life for the community, the Catholic Church and particularly the parishioners of St. Helen Church. May you rest in peace and always with great joy.
Fred Schaeffer, OFS
Paul Zelno
June 11, 2014
John inspired each of us to look at ourself in the mirror and ask ourself; what will the Holy Spirit have you do today? Those who knew him will carry his positive, spiritual being throughout their life and his legacy will live through each of us!
Merry Morton, cousin
June 11, 2014
Dear Carolyn and family,
What a special person for this world!
He did make difference and we are grateful.
Vince Rahal
June 11, 2014
John was the anchor of the Men's Discipleship, he had such energy and passion for the Lord and wanted everyone else to have the same. That passion impacted so many of our lives. I am happy for John and saddened for the loss by those left behind. May you Rest in the arms of our Saviour and May your memory be eternal.
Peter Jones
June 11, 2014
Carolyn and family,
My heartfelt condolences in your loss, our loss of such a wonderful man, architect, loving human being. I say "loss" but I know that we've all "gained" from knowing John and being blessed to have had him in our lives. May God bless!
Peter
June 11, 2014
Carolyn,
I am so sorry to learn of John's passing. He was a good man, who will be greatly missed in the community. My thoughts are with you and the family.
Sandy Fontana
Janet Alford
June 11, 2014
I had the great honor of working with John on the restoration of The Hall of Giants at McKee Botanical Garden. Everyone that worked with John appreciated his great skill, creativity and enthusiasm. His love of life and of his Lord, and his concern for others made him a giant in this community. He will be missed.
Dawn Trodglen
June 11, 2014
Carolyn and family,
My words seem so inadequate; it was always john picking us up. I am forever blessed knowing and working alongside this gentle giant of a man with such a strong passion in everything he did. He was a great man of faith and leaving us all on Pentecost Sunday, I'm certain, was yet another example of God's abiding love for john. I miss him so very much.
Ephesians 3:20 - 21 "Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever." Amen
Bob,Andrea and Daniel Forsythe
June 11, 2014
Our deepest sympathy Carolyn. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeanne Radlet
June 11, 2014
We at the Driftwood Resort are so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a guiding force for us and his insight and constant joy for life will be missed by all of us.
Dotti Leggett
June 11, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. John was always wonderful to work with and he will be missed. I worked with him many times over the years, first with Meiser Construction and then with Central Window and it was always a pleasure. I know our father has called him home, but it is always hardest on the ones he leaves behind. I will keep your family in my prayers.
Marge Mancini
June 11, 2014
Dear Carolyn and family,Sorry to hear about John.I know he is in heaven with Monsignor.My prayers are with you at this most difficult time,Sorry I cannot be there I am in Rhode Island
Wayne Russ
June 11, 2014
It was always a pleasure to work with John. He will be missed by many. My condolences to the family. I am shocked and saddened to hear of his passing, but he is now in Heaven I'm sure.
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