John B. Dean

John Dean Passed away peacefully on June 18,2026 after a lengthy period of declining health. John was born on March 27,1938 in Berlin, NH to Albert Donald Dean and Kathleen Dean (née Donaldson).

John was predeceased by his parents, his brother Russell W. Dean, a Marine Corp Veteran of Vietnam, and his much-loved older daughter, Juanita Donnell.

He leaves behind his beloved wife and best friend of 61 years, Mary; his sister, Barbara Dean; his younger daughter, Andrea Wolanek; eight grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and several cousins, nieces and nephews and stepbrother Cider Berry and wife Marilyn.

After leaving the Air Force in December 1959, where he served as a radar operator and ICT in northern Michigan, he attended The University of Hartford for three semesters.

He moved back to New Hampshire where he worked at a textile mill, and as a lithographic cameraman for a local newspaper. He also worked as a silk screen printer, where he was part of a team who put together displays for EXPO 67 in Canada. It was during this time frame that he met and married Mary in 1964.

The government brought back the GI Bill, and he was able to finish his college degree at the university of New Hampshire. He earned a Bachelor of Arts with honors and was inducted in the Phi Beta Kappa and Pi Gamma Mu. He subsequently earned a Master’s Degree in Teaching and commenced his career as an educator.

He spent years teaching junior and senior high in Somersworth. He retired in 1991. John and Mary moved to his hometown, Berlin, NH, when Mary retired from teaching in 1998. Irony of ironies, John took on his last teaching assignment as St. Michaels Elementary School in Berlin, NH in 1999. This is the very school that he left in 1950 as a 6th grader for foster care in VT. The name of the school was St. Patrick’s at that time.

Prior to his move to Berlin, John confronted his alcoholism in 1981. With the support of an effective sponsor and Alcoholics Anonymous, he embarked on a successful recovery journey. He later worked at a group home for boys as an overnight awake counselor in Somersworth. Though out his life he was able to help other alcoholics on their journeys to recovery. He would often take Group Home clients to AA meetings if they wished to go.

His love for animals often promoted Mary to say “If reincarnated I wish to come back as one of John’s Pets.” He leaves behind Ivy, the dog, and Abbie, Minnie, Luna the three cats. These four animals made his life a mixture of joy and happiness throughout his tenure in hospice.

From his early days he and an affinity for sketching a variety of themes with pencil. After retiring, he preferred working with Prismacolor pencils and oil pastels. He turned out hundreds of pictures. Many were for grandkids, family and friends. He gave them away refusing to sell them as he felt this was a hobby not a commercial adventure. Seeing the recipients face gave him ample reward.

John and his family are so grateful for the loving care provided by the nurses and aides of Wentworth Hospices, Somersworth, NH. He is also appreciative of the gift given by his cousin, Dave Hickey and wife Lucille in terms of his final resting place at the old homestead’s lower field.

It is John’s wish that there be no services. Donations in his name may be made to any animal shelter. The Bryant Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.bryantcares.com.