Obituary of John C. Dean

Pomfret, CT - John C. Dean, 85, died peacefully Thursday, January 22, 2009, at his home surrounded by family. He was born February 2, 1923, in Lawrence MA, son of the late Clement and Julia (Donahue) Dean. On August 21, 1943, he was united in marriage to his beloved wife Monica A. (Webb) Dean at St. Mary's Church in Lawrence. John graduated from Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, MA in 1940. He served in the Army Air Force from 1942 to 1945 as 1st Lieutenant, Navigator. After the war he attended Boston University, graduating in 1948 and joining the accounting firm of Touche, Ross, Bailey and Smart. In 1954 John joined Ford Motor Company and was soon transferred to Dearborn, MI. He spent 26 years with Ford retiring in 1980 as Chairman and CEO of Ford Motor Credit, Co. and Vice President of Ford Motor. During his career John was an active member of his community, serving many organizations, including chairing the United Way's annual fund drive. Upon retirement in 1980, John returned with Monica to New England, settling in Pomfret. They became active members of Most Holy Trinity Church. In addition John served on many boards while in retirement. John leaves behind many close friends and associates from his church and the greater Pomfret Community, as well as from Michigan. He will be missed by everyone whose life he touched. John was a dedicated, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His favorite times were those when he was surrounded by his loving family. Holiday and other celebrations at his home were some of his happiest moments. In addition to his wife Monica of 65 years, John is survived by three daughters: Karen Stutz and her husband Jack of Seekonk, MA; Jeryl Ann McGuire and her husband Tom of Amherst, MA; Maryann Dean of Washington, DC, four sons: John C. Dean, Jr. and his wife Susan of Woodside, CA; Mark Dean and his wife Renee of Cornwall, VT; Michael Dean and his wife Heather of Barnstable, MA; James Dean of Woodstock, CT, his daughter-in-law Polly Dean of Pomfret, CT, eighteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a granddaughter, MaryJo Lawson. He leaves two sisters: Elizabeth Melnikas and Julia Fionte, both of North Andover, MA, a brother: Edwin Dean and his wife Mary of Andover, MA as well as many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass will be held 11:00 AM, Monday, February 2nd, at Most Holy Trinity Church, 568 Pomfret Street, Pomfret, CT. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Dean Foundation at Central Catholic High School, 300 Hampshire Road, Lawrence, MA 01841-9984 or Hospice and Palliative Care of NE CT, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, Putnam is in charge of the arrangements. To share a memory with his family "Light a Candle" at www.smithandwalkerfh.com