John "Jack" William Dean Jr.

John (Jack) William Dean, Jr. passed away peacefully in Granville, OH on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.  Born March 14, 1930 in Oakdale, PA and raised in Conemaugh, PA son of the late John W. and Rose (Amigh) Dean.  Preceded in death by sister Donna and brother-in-law Clifford Richey.  Survived by loving wife of 69 years Virginia (Korber); children Jack (Karen Gould) Dean, Patrick (Kathleen Coleman) Dean, Roy (Suzanne Winschel) Dean, Diane (Jim) Popp, Bonnie (Jeff Hendricksen) Dean, and grandchildren Ryan (Michelle) Dean, Kevin (Ashley) Dean, Erin (Juris) Cooper, Kathleen (David Gonzalez) Dean, Paul (Camille Guechi) Dean, Colleen (Paul) Kirtland, Maureen Dean, Gina Perrotto, Cameron Perrotto, and 8 Great-Grandchildren, as well as nephew Clifford “Skip” Richey and niece Cindy (Richey) Sheperd.

Jack was a graduate of Conemaugh High School (class of 1948). He attended the Indiana State Teachers College in Indiana, PA earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education in 1952 and later a Master’s Degree in 1973 also from IUP.  In October of 1952, Jack, who had joined the Naval Reserve in college, was called to active duty and proudly served during the Korean War assigned to the USS Chipola, a Navy Oil Tanker in the Atlantic Fleet.  Jack’s Navy experience had him crossing the Equator, as well as participating in maneuvers in Brazil, Cuba, Iceland and England.  Jack served as a Company Clerk and was honorably discharged from the Navy, Yeoman 3rd class in 1954.

Jack and Virginia, who met at a dance were married in Bon Air, PA on February 19, 1955.  That same year, Jack began his career with Bethlehem Steel initially in the Purchasing Department then moving to the Freight Car Division as Customer Service Manager. Along came five children and a house built on “the farm” (Ebensburg, PA) where Jack’s grandparents, parents, aunts, sister and family all lived over the years. This large property provided Jack hours of grass cutting entertainment. Jack and Virginia joined St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Mundy’s Corner where he held many leadership positions including serving on the Church Council and singing in the choir.  Jack finished his career at Bethlehem Steel in 1990 and he and Virginia enjoyed retirement thoroughly, motoring through the US with their truck and camper as well as visiting Europe and enjoying cruises. Jack also immersed himself in many hobbies which included researching the family tree, coin collecting, card playing and golfing.  For many years, Jack & Virginia spent their winter months in Sebring FL making many friends in their community of Whisper Lake Park.  In 2005, they moved to Granville, OH and became members of the First Presbyterian Church.

Jack loved God, cherished his wife and was most proud of his 5 children and being “PopPop” to his 9 grandchildren.  He believed in hard work, education, and honoring his country. From an early age, Jack took responsibility for his immediate and extended family and he carried that responsibility throughout his life.  Jack was funny, engaging, a “super-taster”, loved to talk, play drums, sing, bake sand tart cookies, work on jigsaw puzzles and dance. His biggest love was his life partner, wife and best friend Virginia. Their marriage was and always will be a shining example of love, respect, and devotion!

A celebration of life in honor of Jack will be held at a future date. Should you wish, memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice of Central Ohio, 2269 Cherry Valley Road SE, Newark, OH  43055 or by visiting  https://www.ohioshospice.org/give/

McPeek Hoekstra Hoskinson Funeral Home is honored to care for Jack and his family.  Please visit www.McPeekHoekstra.com to share a special memory or leave a message of condolence.

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