Howard Roger Dean

Howard Roger Dean, 78, of Bethlehem Twp. passed away Thursday, March 28, 2024 at St. Luke's Hospital, Anderson Campus. He was beloved husband to Nancy L (Raymond) Dean, father of Roger A Dean, and friend to many.

Howard Roger Dean, better known as Roger, was a man of extraordinary talents and blessings, whose life was a testament to the power of passion and connection. He was born in Stuttgart, AR on June 7, 1945 to the late Howard Joseph and Lilllian Adele (McElveen) Dean. He served our country faithfully in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War from 1966-1972. Before serving our country, he was attending the College of Forestry at Syracuse University for 2 years. After his military service, he continued his education and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Utica College.

Roger discovered his love for hunting, hiking, and fishing when his dad took him out to explore the wilderness in the Adirondacks. When Roger joined Boy Scouts, he developed an appreciation for the outdoors, leading him to becoming an Eagle Scout. He and his friends found enjoyment in their time fishing and boating. His passion for the water propelled him from a canoe to a 34-foot vessel, which gracefully cruised the waters of the St. Lawrence River. This passion was his reason for working everyday. His journey stands as a testament to his resourcefulness and unwavering determination.

In the realm of sports, Roger excelled both as a player and a coach. He had an invitation to try out for a minor league baseball team, but lacked the finances to travel to and from tryouts. Despite this setback, Roger did not give up easily. His talent in baseball shone brightly during his time as a player on the Air Force travel team, where he not only served his country but also pursued his love for the game in San Antonio, Texas. Later in life, he shared this passion by coaching his son, Roger's, baseball and basketball teams. He shared his love for sports with his family and friends while cheering for the Buffalo Bills, New York Yankees, and Syracuse University Basketball Team, along with spending some weekends at the racetrack.

Aside from his physical achievements, Roger was an exceptionally intelligent man. He enjoyed reading history and nonfiction books. He loved traveling, especially to Key West, and the family and friends trips to Italy, where he reveled in new experiences, cultures, and discovered an appreciation for a nice glass of Brunello. These were experiences that translated into his everyday life as they shaped him to become a captivating storyteller who enriched the lives of those around him with his wisdom and knowledge.

Roger's 'soft skills' were something that you could never teach at any level of academics. His ability for being able to make people feel acknowledged unlocked his love for connecting with others. He had a love for life and shared that with everyone he interacted with. Although Roger had his degree in Biology, he turned his passion for life and connecting with people into a successful career in sales. He worked as Vice-President of Sales for the Joe Kirwan Company, Old Bridge, NJ for 42 years until retiring in 2022.

As a father, Roger instilled in his children a sense of curiosity, compassion, and resilience. His love for his family and friends knew no bounds, and his affection for animals, particularly his beloved Freya, added an extra layer of warmth to his already generous heart. Additionally, he was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Bethlehem, PA and Westernville Presbyterian Church in Westernville, NY., reflecting his commitment to community and faith.

Though Roger may no longer walk among us, his spirit lives on in the memories we cherish and the lessons he imparted. He will be deeply missed while forever remembered for his unwavering kindness, boundless enthusiasm, and profound impact on all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Roger's family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at St. Luke's Hospital, Anderson Campus, ICU Unit for their incredible and compassionate care during Roger's hospital stay.

Survivors: In addition to Nancy, his loving wife of 36 years; son: Roger A. (Katie Rentz) Dean of Philadelphia; sisters: Bonnie (Leonard) Charney of Westernville, NY, Barbara (Thomas) Hardiman of Potsdam, NY; grandchildren: Gabriel Wildman-Dean, Julia Wildman-Dean and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son: Howard Joseph Dean (2020); sister: Donna Beckstead (2005).

Services: Friends and family are invited to his visitations from 7-9pm Friday, April 5, 2024 and 11:30-12:30pm Saturday, April 6, 2024 all at the Connell Funeral Home, Inc., 245 East Broad Street, Bethlehem. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1pm Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 3219 Santee Road, Bethlehem, PA 18020. Interment with Military Honors will conclude services at the Bethlehem Memorial Park Cemetery. Online condolences may be offered www.connellfuneral.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St Jude's Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org, Tunnel to Towers Foundation www.t2t.org and/or St. Luke's ICU Unit, 1872 St. Luke's Blvd, Easton, PA 18045 and or Please consider a gift to support the Center for Nursing Excellence at St. Luke's. Donors can mail a check, payable to St. Luke's University Health Network with "In Memory of Howard" in the memo line, to: St. Luke's Development Office, 801 Ostrum St., Bethlehem, PA 18015. Or visit https://www.slhn.org/development/ways-to-give/make-a-gift.