Dean Peter Paganelis

Dean Paganelis passed away suddenly from an apparent heart attack in the early morning on March 18, 2025 at the age of 56. He is survived by his mother Rita Paganelis of San José and brother George Paganelis of Sacramento, and is preceded in death by his father Peter Paganelis.

Dean was born on May 17, 1968 in Santa Clara, CA, the elder of two sons. He lived the majority of his life in San José, CA graduating from Gunderson High School in 1986 and then earning an associate’s degree from DeAnza College in 1989. He spent the first half of his working life at Longs Drugs, eventually becoming an assistant manager.

Anyone who knew Dean understood that sports were his passion. From playing in Branham Hills and Oak Grove Little League to attending sports card conventions at the old Le Baron Hotel near the airport, Dean was in his element from a young age. Before he could drive he even made occasional trips with friends by bus and Caltrain to watch the Giants at Candlestick Park. A lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan, as an adult Dean got to see his favorite team win another two Super Bowls following their dominant run in the 1970s. He and his brother George bonded over weekly NFL highlights and NFL Films programs for many years. Since hockey came to town with the creation of the Sharks franchise in 1991, the sport was a mainstay in Dean’s life, first roller hockey on the tennis courts of nearby high schools and then ice hockey at area rinks. Dean loved the Penguins (and Mario LeMieux, his favorite player) and got to see them hoist five Stanley Cup trophies. For Dean, sports embodied competitive spirit, teamwork, high drama, and endless variety.

Dean was also handy and undertook numerous home improvement projects. He researched, designed, and installed a new pool filtration system himself, a source of great pride. He enjoyed Latin music and TV, and was always in contention at family poker games (though his dimples were a tell). Most of all, he was a patient and devoted caretaker of his mom for many years.

The second and more meaningful act of Dean’s career, as a hockey referee, suited him perfectly, blending a deeper required knowledge of the sport, mentorship of other refs, and advancing the game for players at all levels. He donned the stripes for over 16 years in San José, officiating 6,255 games for various youth and adult leagues at the Sharks Ice facility between 2009 and 2025. Noted one fellow referee, “In a world where officials often go unnoticed, Dean left an impression on all of us.”

Dean will be remembered as a kind, patient, and unassuming son, brother, and friend; a passionate sports fan; and an all-around good guy.

A visitation for our beloved Dean will be held on Apr. 1, 2025 at 7 p.m. at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church (1260 Davis St., San José, CA 95126). The funeral service will be held on Apr. 2 at 11 a.m. at St. Nicholas, followed by burial at 12:30 p.m. at Oak Hill Memorial Park (300 Curtner Ave., San José, CA 95125). In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Dean Paganelis Memorial Hockey Fund (https://gofund.me/e4180e92).