Joseph Dean Gregorius

(Joseph) Dean Gregorius, aged 84, died February 3, 2024. He was born July 16, 1939 in Portland, Oregon to Iva (Farrelly) and Nick Gregorius. He grew up in Carson, Washington and later lived in Kelso, Longview and Lacey, Washington. He married Judith Ann Boos on August 26, 1961.

Mr. Gregorius graduated from Western Washington University and obtained a Master’s degree from the University of Washington, School of Social Work. He was an Accredited Social Worker by the American Public Welfare Association.

Dean was employed with the Department of Social and health Services for 34 years and retired in December of 1994. During that time he served as Administrator of Public Welfare in both Kelso and Olympia Community Service Offices. He was Director for the Bureau of Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Title XX State Coordinator and was the Director of Quality Control for Economic and Medical Services. After retirement, he returned to work for the Assistant Secretary of DSHS as a special assistant during the legislative session. Also, after retiring, he worked for American Public Welfare Association, serving as Conference Coordinator for the National Food Stamp Directors Association. Dean was active in community activities and served on s national board where he was Chair of the National Food Stamp Quality Control Director’s Technical Action Committee.

He volunteered extensively, working with persons who had alcohol and drug problems. Dean was a gourmet cook, providing his neighbors with delicious meals when he retired from work and he also fed the homeless. He was also known for his delicious cookies. He volunteered at a local nursing home. Dean served as President of the Village at Union Mills Board for several years. He was a member of First Christian Church of Olympia.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Judy, and two sons, Mark Gregorius (Tammy) of Tacoma and John Gregorius (Catherine) of Silver City, New Mexico and five grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Billee Rae Gray and Jo Ann Park.