Don Dew

On the morning of November 28, 2024, Don Dew passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving wife Sherry, daughter Tiffany, and son Justin. He was 74 years old and had fought a courageous battle with multiple sclerosis.

Don was born in Louisiana in 1950 to Bill and Bonnie Dew. In 1958, his family moved to Avondale, Arizona, where he attended Avondale Elementary and Avondale Junior High, graduating from Agua Fria High School in 1968. He went on to earn an associate degree in business from Glendale Community College.

In 1973, Don married the love of his life, Sherry, and together they raised two children, Tiffany and Justin.

Don was a man of determination and hard work. He began his career in construction and later worked at the Bechtel Nuclear Plant. In 1986, he took a leap of faith, starting a business installing fire sprinkler systems for residential homes in Scottsdale. When an early business partnership fell through, Don refused to give up. Instead, with Sherry's unwavering support, he founded Dew’s Fire Protection, a business built on integrity, honesty, and the belief that a handshake was as good as a contract.

Through tireless effort, long hours, and personal sacrifice, Don established a reputation for excellence in his industry. He often said, “It takes a team,” and he was immensely proud of those who worked alongside him. The business continues to thrive today, thanks to its dedicated employees—whom Don always considered the best in the business.

Don often expressed his gratitude for his team, saying, “Without them, we would not have a business.” A special thanks goes to Mike Phillips for taking on the responsibilities Don entrusted to him—you made him proud every day, Mike. To Tiffany, for taking charge of operations, and to all the employees—Eric, AJ, Omar, Luis, and Luisto—thank you for continuing Don’s legacy. Together, as a team, you will honor Don by keeping Dew’s Fire Protection strong and thriving, just as he dreamed.

Don was known for his warmth and charisma—he never met a stranger. He could walk into a room full of unfamiliar faces and leave knowing everyone by the time he walked out. He loved life, his family, parties, and his friends deeply.

In 2023, Don and Sherry celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, surrounded by loved ones—a testament to the full and joyful life they built together. Don cherished moments with his children, family, and friends, and he was always the life of the party.

Don often talked about writing letters to thank the many friends and family members who supported him, especially during his illness. While he never got to write those letters, his gratitude lives on. He was profoundly thankful for those who lent a helping hand, brought meals, drove him to doctors' appointments, or simply sat with him.

Special thanks to Claude, Cricket Will, Eileen, Star, Pat and Debbie, Jessie and Vicki, and Danny Hood. To Brandon Farris, who was always just a phone call away when Don needed help after a fall—your kindness and help meant the world to him. Don was deeply grateful to everyone who supported him in so many ways.

In the end, Don and his family were uplifted by the many helping hands that surrounded them. Hospice of the Valley played a vital role, and Sherry expressed her deepest gratitude, saying, “Don and I could never have gotten through this journey without them. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

Sherry, Tiffany, and Justin are grateful to have been with Don until the end.

Don’s and Sherry's favorite song, Harvest Moon, will be played in his honor, followed by a song he had hoped to share with his friends, The Letter.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of the Valley in Don's Honor.

A memorial service for Don will be held Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 10:30 AM at Lighthouse Fellowship Church, 3015 N 195th Avenue, Litchfield Park, AZ.

Celebration of Life

To honor Don's life and legacy, his family invites you to a celebration at his home following the service. True to Don's spirit, it will be a gathering filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.