Richard Dean

Richard “Dick” Dean, age 88, of Celina, Ohio, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Elmwood Assisted Living of New Bremen.

Born on July 3, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, he was the son of the late Gaylord and Mildred (Haynes) Dean. On October 9, 1965, he married the love of his life, Christine (Brown) Dean, and together they shared 59 wonderful years before her passing on September 7, 2023.

Dick was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his two daughters, Rebecca (David) Cavanaugh of Sister Bay, Wisconsin, and Kathy (John) Higgins of Celina; grandchildren, Nathan (Andrea) Higgins, Lauren Higgins, and Jessica (Matt) Lomakin; and great-grandchildren, Henry and Holly Higgins and Harper and Taylor Lomakin. He also leaves behind his brother, Robert “Bob” Dean of Council Bluffs, Iowa, a brother-in-law, Spencer Dunn, Lexington, Texas and two sisters-in-law, Sue Dean of Battle Creek, Michigan, and Marie Dean, Easton, Pennsylvania.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Ronald “Ron” Dean and Roger “Buzz” Dean.

A graduate of Lakeview Senior High School in Battle Creek, Michigan, Dick dedicated over 35 years to his career with Nationwide Insurance, based in Columbus, Ohio, before retiring. After retirement, Dick moved to Celina to be closer to his family. He was a past member of Kiwanis International and had a passion for lifelong learning and staying active. In his free time, he enjoyed classical music, reading, cycling, walking, traveling, and, most of all, spending time with his family.

A memorial service celebrating Dick’s life will be held at Cisco Funeral Home in Celina on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with Pastor Craig Flack officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM prior to the service. After the service, the family invites everyone to join them at Bella's Catering in Celina for a continued celebration and luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mercer County Council on Aging, 217 Riley St., Celina, Ohio 45822.

Dick’s daughters would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Elmwood Assisted Living and Grand Lake Hospice for the wonderful care and consideration they gave to their father.

Cisco Funeral Homes of Celina and St. Marys are honored to care for Dick and his family. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.ciscofuneralhome.com or the Cisco Funeral Home Facebook page.