Leo Albert Dean, Jr.

Leo Albert Dean, Jr., 67, of Norton, MA passed away unexpectedly although following an illness on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, MA surrounded by his loving family. He was the best friend and cherished husband of Laura Jean (Marino) Dean to whom he was marred on June 17, 2000.

Born in the family homestead in Norton, MA on September 16, 1957, he was the son of the late Leo Albert Dean, Sr. and the late Muriel (Waterson) Dean. He was raised and educated in his native community of Norton where he remained a lifelong resident. As a member of the 1975 Class of Norton High School, he excelled at sports and was named the Most Valuable Player of the Varsity Cross Country Team in 1975, the school's best male athlete in 1975 and the M.I.P. of the school track team.

Following high school, Mr. Dean proudly served his nation by enlisting in the United States Air Force where he proudly served from his enlistment on April 4, 1977, until his honorable discharge on April 2, 1981. He was the proud recipient of the Air Force Good Conduct Medal and the Air Force Overseas Service Ribbon.

He was currently employed as the director of sales for the Preppy Puppy Bakery in Wareham, MA where he was able to combine his love for people and animals.

Leo will be lovingly remembered for being the consummate neat freak and he enjoyed cooking and playing scratch tickets and even “cashed in” a $1,000 scratch ticket the day before he passed. However, what brings a smile to everyone's face is when they recall the laughs he created when he pulled out his "lunchbox of practical jokes and items" that he kept in the kitchen for easy access. Bicycling was a favorite pastime but mostly he enjoyed creating lifelong memories for his family to cherish. A man of many musical talents, he treasured the time spent playing the guitar and singing.

In addition to his beloved wife of 24 years, he leaves his sisters: Susan Carroll and her husband, Raymond Carroll, of Attleboro, MA and Claudia Botelho and her husband, Joseph Botelho, of Providence, RI; his in-laws whom he thought of as an extension of his siblings: Donna Miller and her husband, Anton Miller, of Andover, MA and Richard Marino and his wife, Josie Marino, of Beverly, MA; his sister-in-law: Michelle Dean of Attleboro, MA and many nieces and nephews whom he adored like his own children and their children - his great nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind extended family and many dear friends and colleagues.

He was the brother of the late Robert Dean and the late Cynthia Reach and her late husband, Johnny Reach. He was the proud uncle of the late adorable Isabella Marino and proud great uncle of the late Kaisha Guerrini.

All are welcome to join in the celebration of this man's extraordinary life by attending a Celebration of Life Gathering on Thursday, October 3, 2024, anytime from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm in the "Memorial Chapel" of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA.

A time of continued celebration, sharing of memories and food will be held at a place to be announced following the funeral home gathering.

A private graveside service with military honors will be held at a later date at the Timothy Plain Cemetery, Norton, MA where he will be laid to rest with his loving parents.

Please omit flowers. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Leo's name may be made to The Isabella Marino Charitable Fund, 500 Cummings Center - Suite 5450, Beverly, MA 01915 or by accessing: www.eccf,org or to the Make-A-Wish-Foundation or to the Nine Lives of Norton, 84 Hill Street, Norton, MA 02766.

To send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com .

Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200