John Dean
John E. Dean, of Chattanooga, died after a brief illness on Thursday, May 19, 2016, at Alexian Village of Signal Mountain. He was 92.
He was born in Chattanooga on September 15, 1923, to the late John E. and Mary Catherine O’Connor Dean. He was graduated from Notre Dame elementary and high schools. He served in the Army in the Pacific theater during World War II. He studied at DePaul University, Boston College, and the University of Fribourg. He was an alumnus of The Catholic University of America, Washington, D. C.
John returned to Chattanooga and in 1951, married the late Catherine Crimmins Dean. He worked at Interstate Life and the Electric Power Board before beginning a 34-year career at Provident Life & Accident Insurance Company (now Unum). He retired from Provident in 1987 and began a second career as a volunteer at the Chattanooga Heart Institute, Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, and other organizations. He was a lifelong learner and voracious reader. He enjoyed interesting people, travel, classical music, crossword puzzles, corny jokes, and a good pun. He taught chess to several generations of his family.
John was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Catherine; his son, Joseph P. Dean; sisters-in-law, Mary E. Crimmins and Josephine C. Byrne, and several cousins.
Dad Dean is survived by his daughters, Mary Catherine (Bob Mahoney); Sarah (Fort) Jones; his six beloved grandchildren: Brigid Mahoney (Shae) Caldwell; Patsy, Rosie, and Dominic Mahoney; Warwick and Matthew Jones; great-grandchildren, Orion and Giada; nieces Josephine Byrne Quintana and Mary Pat Byrne, and nephews Jimmy and John Byrne; great-nieces and great-nephews; many cousins, and many more friends.
John and Catherine were pioneers in the Alexian Brothers' exemplary Live at Home program, enrolling two decades ago. Recently Live at Home's Michelle Donnahoo became part of the family and guided us with compassion, grace, love, and professionalism. We will always be grateful to Alexian's entire wonderful staff.
The family will receive friends from 5–7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 24, at the East Chapel of the Chattanooga Funeral Home on S. Moore Road, with a prayer service beginning at 7 p.m. A Mass of the Resurrection will take place at noon,Wednesday, May 25, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 501 S. Moore Rd., with the Reverend James Vick officiating. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the charity of your choice.
Please share your condolences at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com.