Dean Jay Kilfoyle

August 25, 1959 – March 22, 2025

How do you say goodbye to someone who gave you the color of your eyes and your last name?

Dean Jay Kilfoyle gained his wings on March 22, 2025. He faced life's challenges with unwavering strength, a heart full of acceptance, and a spirit that never stopped joking. No matter what life threw his way, Dean got it done—always with a smile and a joke to lighten the load.

Born in Salt Lake City, Utah to loving parents, Jay F. Kilfoyle and Leda Rae Everton. Dean attended Monroe Elementary, West Lake Jr. High, and Granger High School. He formed lifelong friendships and was always the kind of person who made people feel welcome. Dean lived by the belief that everyone deserved kindness, and he never met a stranger—only a friend he hadn’t gotten to know yet.

As a young boy, Dean was always on the move, riding his bike through the neighborhood, playing baseball and participating in Boy Scouts. His passion for mechanics led him to work as an assistant at Bonneville Raceway, where he was immersed in the world of race cars—something that remained a lifelong love.

Dean was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a two-year mission in Glasgow, Scotland (1975-1977), where he witnessed history unfold during the conflicts in Ireland. His time there shaped his deep sense of resilience and faith.

After returning home, Dean married Lucinda Cottrell, and together they had one beautiful daughter, Veronica. Though their paths later diverged, Dean found love again with Shirley Day, his devoted wife until her passing in 2018.

Dean worked for many years at Sorenson Biomed Research Center as a product sampler and tester. No matter the job, he approached it with the same determination and work ethic that defined him.

A lifelong fan of NASCAR and Elvis Presley. Dean could name every driver on the track. If you visited him during a race, he’d make sure you knew exactly who was leading. His humor and easygoing nature made him a joy to be around—there was always a joke at the ready, and his laughter was contagious.

Dean is now reunited with his beloved wife Shirley, his father (who passed in July 2018), and his mother (May 2012).

He is survived by his daughter Veronica Melton (Travis), sister, Deanna Lingmann (Johnny), brother, Darren Kilfoyle (Claire), and his treasured grandchildren, Maeghan, Maggie, Noah, and Issac Melton. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and friends who were blessed by his warmth and humor.

A celebration of life and graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Valley View Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 4335 West 4100 South, where friends may visit with the family from 10:00 to 10:45 am prior to the service.

Dean’s strength, kindness, and laughter will be deeply missed but forever remembered. He didn’t just live—he loved, he laughed, and he made life brighter for everyone around him.