Dean Harper

Dean Harper, surrounded by family, died peacefully at home in New Hartford, CT on March 17, 2025 at the age of 78. Dean is survived by his wife, JoAnne "JoJo" (McAlister) Harper, his sister, Jan Remmel of Anaheim California and 5 children. Dean is preceded in death by his parents, brother, and daughter, Gretchen. Dean was born on August 9, 1946, on Massapequa Long Island, NY to Roland and Mildred (McCormick) Harper. He graduated from Massapequa High School, served in the Air Force for over 4 years and got a degree in accounting on the GI Bill. For years he worked in sales, ultimately making countless people happy by creating first-time home buyer opportunities. Following his retirement from home sales, Dean worked for LeGeyt Bus Company for 12 years, which brought him great joy interacting with children – affectionately referred to by his passengers as "Mr. Dean." Dean will be sorely missed by his wife JoJo whom he met on a blind date – enjoying 34 years of blissful marriage. Dean was most proud of his legacy of his 6 children, 20 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. His living children include Troy (wife Maria) of Washington, Kevin (wife Amanada) of Utah, Eric (wife Tina) of Utah, Jen of Utah and Jon (wife Shannon) of Utah. Dean's friends and family remember him as witty, fun-loving, and affable. Dean had a warm heart, warm smile, but always cold hands. He was passionate about baseball, chess, and dabbling on the stock market – trading right up until his final day. Montano-Shea Funeral Home is entrusted with handling all the arrangements. A celebration of life will take place in Utah at a later date. If friends and family of Dean would like to honor his life with a donation, the family is asking that the Visiting Nurse and Hospice Service of Litchfield County be a recipient of your generosity. Condolences can be sent to the funeral home at www.montano-shea.com. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Dean, please visit our Tree Store.