Ron was born to the late Paul Dean and Mildred Watson Dean on January 29, 1950 in Wheeling, West Virginia and was raised in Holloway, OH. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in passing by his sister, Sandra Panepucci.
He attended Union Local High School, where he was inducted as a member of the Athletic Hall of Fame for his distinguished football and basketball career. Ron graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1972, where he was an active member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. Upon graduation, he began a 25 year long career in retail and sales.
He met his wife, Jill, in 1982 while they were both employed by the M O’Neil company in Akron Ohio. They were wed on September 15, 1984 and were happily married for almost 40 years.
Ron was a devoted father to his three children: Brandi, Paul and Sarah. His favorite role was as a stay-at-home Dad. He gave his children magical childhoods filled with play, laughter and lots of delicious home cooked meals. He gently, and sometimes not so gently, pushed them towards independence and instilled in them strong values. There was no better lesson for how to live than to watch him navigate through the world with so much decency, humor and love.
Ron’s social network was vast, as he made friends everywhere he went. His warm demeanor earned him love and respect from everyone who knew him. He was the life of the party, but he’d also always lend an ear and some advice to a friend in need. He was fiercely loyal, generous, and selfless. He was happiest when he had a house full of people to entertain and a cold beer in his garage. He found child-like joy in small things: a lightening storm, fireworks, a beautiful sunset. Animals flocked to him, undoubtedly sensing his soft-hearted nature, and he found deep companionship with his beloved pets.
Ron is survived by his wife, Jill Brown Dean; his three children, Brandi Dean, Paul Dean, and Sarah (Umur) Solak and two precious granddaughters; Tegan and Kaya. Additionally, he leaves behind a circle of loved ones including his stepson Mark (Pam) Hess and their family, his sisters and brothers in law, and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Ron’s life and legacy will be held at 4pm on Friday, May 10th, 2024 at Peace Lutheran Church, 455 Clark State Road, Gahanna, Ohio.
Arrangements entrusted to Schoedinger Northeast.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to an animal welfare organization of your choice.
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