Jean Deer

Jean Calvin Deer peacefully took his last breath surrounded by his wife and daughters on December 26, 2022 in his Westwood, NJ home. He was born on January 8, 1941 in Teaneck, NJ to parents Charles and Jean (nee Culligan) and raised in Englewood, NJ. He was an affectionate husband, a loving father of three daughters, and an adoring Grandpa to his four grandchildren. Jean served in the United States Army from 1960-1962, followed by an additional four years in the Army Reserves. Jean's passion for the arts put him on a path to become a professional portrait photographer, spending a majority of his 30 year career at his successful studio in downtown Westwood.

On May 31, 1997, Jean survived a massive stroke resulting in global aphasia and right side paralysis. He may not have taken a photograph in over 25 years but his photography continues to be cherished to this day by families everywhere. His art did not stop there though, he taught himself to use his left hand and spent his days drawing. At last count he had created almost 18,000 works of art. Jean loved to share his artwork; to see some of it you can visit www.jeandeer.com.

Jean was predeceased by his parents, along with his brothers, Clark and Ronald. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Ellen, who has been his devoted caregiver for over 25 years; his daughters Trine and her husband Pete Wagner, Erika and her husband Chris Kelley, and Kristine; his grandchildren Shane, Colleen, Bryn, and Axel; and countless in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 30, 2022, from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at Becker Funeral Home located at 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at 10:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church located at 155 Second Avenue, Westwood, NJ, followed by interment at the Garden of Memories located at 300 Soldier Hill Rd, Washington Township, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in Jean’s name be made to the Adler Aphasia Center. Donations can be mailed to 60 West Hunter Avenue, Maywood, NJ 07607, or submitted electronically via their website at www.adleraphasiacenter.org/donate-now.