David Whitten Dean, Sr., age 87, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Delaware Veteran’s Home in Milford, DE on Saturday, November 7, 2015. Born February 18, 1928, in Newark, DE, he was the son of the late William Button and Lidie Rea Dean.

Dave grew up on the farm and was a farm boy at heart. He graduated from Newark High School and attended the University of Delaware. He loved to roller skate, was floorwalker for Merryland Roller Rink and couple skated in many contests. He also loved to dance. This is how he met the love of his life, June Wagner Dean. One of his greatest joys was camping in their motor home.

He proudly served his country as a member of the U. S. Army during World War II in the South Pacific. He received commendations as an expert marksman. After the war ended, while still drafted, he became an instructor at West Point Academy in the art of weaponry. Upon his honorable discharge, he started working for General Motors. His career path led him to work for the State of Delaware for more than 40 years.

He worked as a Business Administrator for the Prices Corner, Smyrna Prison systems, and the Delaware State Hospital, eventually ended up as a Hospital Administrator for Emily Bissell Hospital. As a member of the Moose, he volunteered for many years “ringing the bell” for the Salvation Army at Christmas time. He was also an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and St. Mark’s United Methodist Church.

Dave is survived by his daughters, Debra Reynolds (Tony), Sharon Breznitsky (Jim), and Sandra Hibble; 7 grandchildren, Brian and Jaime Toner, Matthew Wooters, Jimmy (Taylor) and Katie Breznitsky, and Thomas and Addison Hibble; his 4 great-grandchildren, Vanessa, Britney, Cheyenne, and Isaiah; his in-laws, Betty (Jud) Gears, Henry (Linda) Wagner, Harriet Wildermuth, many nieces and nephews, and his furry four-legged daughter, Princess Diana (aka Twit).

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his wife of 49 years, June Wagner Dean, his son David Whitten Dean, Jr., and all of his siblings: Doris, Herbert, Robert, Raymond (triplets) and James Dean, Gladys Watkins, Russell and Edwin Curry.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the expert and loving care he received during his stay at the Delaware Veteran’s Home in Milford, DE.

Services will begin at 11:00AM on Friday, November 13, 2015 at R. T. Foard & Jones Funeral Home, 122 W. Main Street, Newark, DE 19711. Family and friends may visit one hour beginning at 10AM. A final salute memorial with military honors and interment will be at Newark Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution checks can be made to the “American Heart Association” or “Delaware Veteran’s Home” and sent c/o the funeral home. To send a condolence online, visit www.rtfoard.com