Mr. Roger W. Dean

Roger William Dean, 77 of 198 Potter Mountain Road, Hancock, MA died suddenly on Monday at home, of an apparent heart attack. Born in Williamstown, MA on May 10, 1936, he was the son of the late Albert Brockway and Marion Love Dean. A 1954 graduate of Pittsfield High School, Roger joined the Pittsfield Marine Reserves – 42nd Special Infantry in 1954, and the US Marine Corps, Buddy Platoon in 1955. In his Duty at Sea training he received Regimental honors, and served proudly aboard the USS Leyte. As a Sergeant, he and his fellow Marine Battalion – 2nd Marines, 2nd Division were recognized for securing the City of Beirut, Lebanon without loss of life during the Syrian crisis in July 1958. Upon completion of his military service, he married his soul mate, the late Carol Armstrong Dean on October 3, 1959. They resided together in the town of Lanesborough, MA for 37 years, where they provided a loving example and foundation for their children. He and his wife hosted many memorable gatherings of family and friends at their home at “477”, and together provided comfort, joy and support to all they knew. Roger was a loyal and dedicated employee for Beloit-Jones (Harnischfeger) in Dalton, MA for 38 years. He excelled in each position of employment, as a Welder, Timekeeper, Expediter, and finally as a Dispatcher when he retired June 20, 1997. He served as President of local chapter 212 of the United Electrical, Radio, and Machine Workers of America, providing leadership, guidance, and a solid sense of reasonableness in his representation. He was a member of Pilgrim Memorial church throughout his life, where he served as a Deacon and a Moderator, and supported the various activities, committees and functions of the church. He maintained a solid and steadfast faith in his beliefs as a Christian, and applied them in and to his life’s work. He was an avid bowler in his early years, and an avid golfer in his later years. He enjoyed music throughout his life, collecting and manually cataloging his collection with great care and pride. Most recently he became an avid fan of live musical theatre, and especially looked forward to productions in which his grandson performed. He was a true and loyal friend to many throughout his life, and especially made a point to visit family and friends in nursing homes and hospitals. His ready smile and quick wit were his trademarks, and will be remembered and missed by all who knew him. His favorite times were those spent with family, doing and sharing the simple things in life, including whenever possible the card game “pitch”. Roger was pre-deceased by his wife, Carol Ann Armstrong Dean on October 9, 1996; his brother, Albert George “Laddie” Dean, who died March 8, 1990, and his sister, Betty June Decker, who died April 16, 2008. He leaves his son David (Kim) Alan Dean of Troy, NY; two daughters, Janice (Steven) Dean Macke of East Greenbush, NY, and Valerie (Gregory) Dean Tallet with whom he made his home in Hancock, MA. He was a beloved grandfather to Daniel Steven Macke, and Amanda Lynne Dean, and especially cherished the times he, his children and his grandchildren were together. FUNERAL NOTICE Mr. Roger W. Dean died June 10 , 2013. Funeral services will be Friday June 14 at 10:00AM from the DWYER FUNERAL HOME with services at 11:00AM at Pilgrim Memorial Church with Rev. William Furey officiating. Burial will follow in the Pittsfield Cemetery. Calling hours will be today, Thursday June 13 from 4 to 7 at the DWYER FUNERAL HOME. If friends desire donations may be made to the Lanesborough Volunteer Fire Dept. or to the Hancock Volunteer Fire Dept. care of the DWYER FUNERAL HOME, 776 North St. Pittsfield, MA 01201.

Mr. Roger W. Dean

May 10, 1936 - June 10, 2013