Frederick J. Dean

Frederick J. Dean, 88, of the Town of Brownville, passed away on November 22, 2025, at his home.

Fred was born on July 23, 1937, the son of Earl and Cora (Bushnell) Dean. He began his education in a one-room schoolhouse in Oxbow, New York, later attending school in Antwerp, where he graduated. He went on to attend Tri-State College in Indiana. While in school, he spent his summers working at St. Regis Papermill.

On June 1, 1963, he married Jean Harper at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Rochester, New York. The couple made their home in the Town of Brownville for most of their married life.

Fred worked at Knowlton Brothers in Watertown from 1963 until his retirement in 2002, serving many years as the company’s Traffic Manager. Outside of work, he and his wife operated a hobby farm where they raised chickens, homing pigeons, horses, cats, and dogs, and tended a large vegetable garden. They enjoyed traveling together to Hilton Head, Hawaii, Treasure Island, Florida, and to visit family.

Fred was especially proud of his more than 50 years of membership in the Brownville Lions Club, where he was an active and dedicated participant.

Among his survivors are his beloved wife, Jean M. Dean; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Cheryl Dean of Rutland, New York; Tina M. and Adam Grimes of Aurora, Colorado; and Lisa L. and Andres Perez of Cape Coral, Florida; one grandson, Austin; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Earl and Virginia Dean of Alden, New York, and Steven Dean of Antwerp, New York; and many nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Mark A. Dean; a brother, Gerald Dean; and two sisters, Sharon Ives and Patricia Hendrickson.

Arrangements are with Johnson Funeral Home. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday,December 3 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m at the Johnson Funeral Home.  The Lions Club will hold a prayer at 1 pm,  burial will follow in Sanford Corners Cemetery.

Donations in Fred’s memory may be made to Lions Clubs International 21847 County Rt 16 Watertown, NY 13601.

Online condolences may be shared at www.dexterfuneralhome.com.

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