Dean C. Anthony

Dean C. Anthony, 76, of Sackets Harbor, NY, passed away peacefully at his home on September 10, 2024. He had recently been a resident of Hospice of Jefferson County, where he was cared for lovingly. In his final days, Dean returned to the home he had built with his own hands 40 years ago, where he found comfort and peace. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the land he had cherished for more than half a century, he spent his last moments in the place he loved most.

Born on September 12, 1947, in Sidney, NY, to Herbert L. and Mildred Finch Anthony, Dean was fortunate to have close and loving relationships with his parents and siblings, Gail Anthony Lord and Thomas “Craig” Anthony. In 1977, Dean married Dorothy “Dottie” E. Arnold, and together they raised two children in Sackets. Although their marriage ended, they remained close friends throughout their lives.

Dean is survived by a close knit family, including his  son, Jeffrey L. Anthony, of Fabius, NY; his daughter, Elizabeth R. Anthony-Haberern, of Cary, NC; his sister, Gail Lord, of Athens, GA; his daughter-in-law, Alia V. Rezek, of Fabius, NY; and his four beloved grandchildren, Benjamin A. Haberern, LaciMae E. Anthony, Everett J. Haberern, and Colden L. Anthony.  He is also survived by his nephew Colin O. Berry, great niece Brooke L. Berry, and great nephew Brendan M. Berry, all of Powder Springs, GA; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Laura J. Lobley and Edwin J. Lobley, of Bayside, NY, several cousins, and many close lifelong friends. Dean was predeceased by his parents, his brother Craig, his former wife Dottie, his nephew Brendan R. Berry, and his brother-in-law George deF. Lord.

Dean grew up in a military family and lived much of his young life in Europe. He graduated in 1965 from Wurzburg American High School, Wurzburg, Germany, where he met other “army brats,” who have remained lifelong friends.

Following in the family military tradition, Dean joined the US Army in 1966 and completed training at Ft. Benning, GA. He was an Army Ranger who served as Platoon Leader in Vietnam.  Dean was honorably discharged in 1969, earning a Purple Heart and later being recognized as an Agent Orange veteran. 

He went on to obtain a BA in Political Science at SUNY Oswego in 1973, an MA in Culture and Policy Studies at SUNY Empire State in 1993, and an MSW from Syracuse University in 2007. 

Dean’s diverse interests led him into several professions, all centered around his love for nature and helping others. He worked as an educator, home builder, and psychotherapist, teaching social and environmental sustainability, designing and constructing solar homes, and providing clinical trauma therapy to veterans and their families.  He considered mindfulness an important tool in everyday life and was one of the early pioneers to use Neurofeedback to enhance the efficacy of psychotherapy sessions.

Dean found meaning and purpose whether teaching in the prisons, counseling homeless veterans in public downtown mental health facilities, or working with traumatized families.

He especially loved time with his family and friends engaging in outdoor activities like canoeing, hiking, and camping in the Adirondack wilderness. Dean took great pleasure in a good read, snuggled up close to the woodstove on a cold winter day, family nearby, engaged in their own stories.

At the end of his life, Dean expressed gratitude for all the loving kindness and care he received from family, friends, caretakers, and even strangers. He wished to share the following message: “Thank you, and bless you all.”

Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Jefferson County (jeffersonhospice.org), Plum Village (PlumVillage.org), and the Myasthenia Gravis Association (mgakc.org)

Online condolences may be made at www.dexterfuneralhome.com

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