John R. Dean

John Robert Dean, 88, of Madison, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026. Born in Mount Kisco, NY, on January 2, 1938, he was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Ingrid, his parents, Elizabeth and Fleetwood, and brother Paul. He is survived by his son Alan of Madison, son Jeffrey (Lisa) of Stratham, New Hampshire, daughter Amy Childs (Sam) of Old Lyme and his seven cherished grandchildren: Hayley, Paige and Mallory Dean, Natalie and Elizabeth Dean, and Andrew and William Childs. John also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, in-laws and countless friends and neighbors.

John spent his childhood enjoying the sweet town of Chappaqua, NY, and graduated from Horace Greeley High School, followed by Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY. He went on to work at IBM for 30 years, where his business acumen and engaging personality shone brightly. It was within the first few years of working at IBM that he met Ingrid on a blind double date set up by colleagues. On their second date, he took her fishing early in the morning. She appeared at her parents’ doorstep - no makeup, smiling and stunning. He often talked about that beautiful morning in 1963, and how that was when his life began! They married the next year, then eventually settled in Madison, CT and lived in the same house until their respective deaths. John was a doting, loving and (really funny!) father who took pride in home projects, tending to the lawn and enjoying his many neighbors who became lifelong friends.

A faithful town servant, he was a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Finance and Board of Education. For many years he would work all day and then come home for a quick dinner to head out to a meeting that lasted past midnight with no complaints, as he was devoted to Madison. A member of the Madison Beach Club since 1976, he spent many summers in the company of cherished friends there, enjoying the beauty of Long Island Sound and a cocktail at sunset.

John’s true happy place was the picturesque, sparkling Long Pond of Belgrade Lakes, Maine. His favorite way to start a day was to head out on the boat first thing, “troll” over to Day’s Store, grab coffee, donuts and a paper. Then, you could find him tinkering around, chatting with lake neighbors, exploring other parts of Maine and, mostly, enjoying time with family and friends in nature.

We’ll dearly miss his quips, hilarious stories, loyalty, frankness, life lessons, unwavering love and the perpetual twinkle in his eye!

We thank John’s home caregiver, Ophelia Dadzie-Bonney for being so incredibly kind and helpful the last year of his life. There will be a celebration of John later this spring, details will be announced. Memorial contributions may be made to Bauer Park, Town of Madison, CT or the 7 Lakes Alliance of Belgrade Lakes, Maine.