Paul E. Dean

Paul Edward Dean sailed into the prevailing winds of heaven on the early evening of April 3, 2025. Our seasoned Captain was undoubtedly received into Heaven by a qualified crew of his loving parents, Joseph and Vera (Tootie) Dean, and some of his finest friends and family. Paul, Dad, Pappy, PD, Coach, Mr. Dean, Deaner, was a man who wore many hats. He was a barber, painter, sailor, musician, photographer, teacher, carpenter, coach, cyclist, skier, dear friend, and US Navyman who dutifully served his country. He was a lifelong learner and lifetime teacher who could tell the best (and longest!) stories. 

Paul’s 56 (almost 57) years of marriage to his wonderful wife Janet gave him a full life with two children, Carrie Beth and Bryan. An amazing son-in-law in, Elic Bramlett, and the lights of his life and best buds, Pearle and Teddy Bramlett, were to follow. His sister, Mary Kay (George) Anderson and brother Patrick (Janice) Dean, brought along even more family for him to love and learn from on his journey through the sea of life, including his loving nephews and nieces, Scott Anderson, PJ Dean, Elliott Dean, and Andrew Dean, Katie Goldsmith and Katrina Anderson, their spouses and children, and many, many dear friends. 

He served his country after graduating from Freeport High School in 1965 and The Pittsburgh Barber School. His service included an honorable tour in Vietnam on the USS Jennings County LST 846 and a tour of the Mediterranean as a plank owner of the John F. Kennedy CV-67 Aircraft Carrier. After the Navy, Paul went on to earn his Bachelor’s and Master’s in Education at Edinboro State College, while also spending many years barbering at Ralph Myer’s Barber Shop.

Paul brought life to his classroom and class to his coaching. As a teacher in the Millcreek School District for over 30 years, he was the recipient of The Golden Apple Award. As a coach, he demanded and earned the respect of his players. He was always so giving and shared so much wisdom around so many subjects. He was also an avid nonfiction reader, and he could talk your ear off about any historical event. He was a devout Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers, and Penguins fan. He rode his bicycle around Lake Tahoe and extensively in the states of Maine, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Michigan, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and more. He was always up for a good beer with a friend and he loved enjoying the best ice cream on a jeep or convertible ride. He had a shop full of tools that he expertly used to craft priceless treasures for the people he loved. He played guitar, ukulele, banjo, drums, and a mean harmonica. His favorite songs always made their way to his guitar. He would sail from dawn to dusk and sail again the next day. 

He was a beloved husband, daddy, pappy, brother, uncle, and friend. And he knew how to love. 

His courageous spirit will forever inspire us. He fought valiantly against a battalion of health issues, and though his body ultimately succumbed, his legacy lives on. He is already so deeply missed, but his memory will be forever etched in our hearts. Fair winds and smooth sailing, Pap. Red Skies, at night.

The family would also like to thank Dr. David Seastone of the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and the amazing ICU staff at Hamot Hospital for their support during Paul’s peaceful passing.

Please join us to celebrate Paul on Thursday, May 29, 2025 (date and time to be confirmed soon) at Edinboro United Methodist Church, 113 High Street, Edinboro, PA. Details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the David E. Baumbach Scholarship Fund at the Edinboro University Foundation. This memorial scholarship was established in honor of Paul’s dear brother-in-law, who was also a lifelong learner and lifetime educator, and is awarded to a deserving Pittsburgh Public School student attending Edinboro University. Donations can be made at your.edinboro.edu/donate, or by mailing checks to Edinboro University Foundation Alumni House, 210 Meadville Street, Edinboro, PA 16444