Shrewsbury – Randall L. Dean, 87, died Friday, Aug. 2, 2011 at the Inwood Hills Estate, South Bend, Indiana, following an illness. His wife of 61 years, Janet G. (Green) Dean, died in 2009.
He leaves his son, Rev. Thomas F. Dean and his wife Madelyn, and his three grandsons, Benjamin, Peter and Thomas.
Born in Worcester, he lived in Shrewsbury for most of his life and graduated from the Major Howard Beal High School in Shrewsbury, Class of 1942; the Scranton Military Academy, Scranton, Va.; and the University of Massachusetts with a BS in Agricultural Engineering. He was a proud veteran of the World War II, serving with the U.S. Army in France and Germany. He was part of the Army forces during the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.
Mr. Dean was a part owner and sales manager of the Oliver M. Dean and Sons Company, for his entire working career. Church and community were very important to Randy. He was a longtime member of the First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury, where he served in many areas of church life, and as one of the first and longtime serving Shrewsbury town meeting member. He also worked with Boy Scout Troop 170 in Shrewsbury for many years. During his retirement years, he brought much joy to many children in the area while portraying a clown. He also loved to hiking and mountain climbing, canoeing and camping.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service Friday, Sept. 9, at 11 a.m., in the First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury, 19 Church Rd. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Mountain View Cemetery of Shrewsbury. There are no visiting hours.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury, 19 Church Rd., Shrewsbury, MA 01545 or the First United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 222, Breman, IN 46506.
For online condolences, please visit www.brittonfuneralhomes.com.
