Dean Laffey

Dean was born on January 25, 1950 in Wakefield, Massachusetts to James and Shirley Laffey. He moved to Highland Park, IL at an early age where he spent most of his youth until relocating to Arizona in his early twenties. In 1978, Dean married Nancy Gail Schmidt in Tempe, AZ, and they moved to Mesa, AZ where they built their first house.

Dean was athletic and enjoyed playing baseball as a child. In high school and throughout college, Dean played in a rock band and released a single called “Hard Way to Go”. His love for music didn’t end there—throughout his life, he composed and created his own melodies on the guitar, keyboard and piano, always experimenting with new sounds and rhythms. Music was a lifelong passion that brought him joy.

Dean was an accomplished entrepreneur. In the 1980s, he started his own manufacturing sales business, initially in the housewares industry, where he made a name for himself with his strong work ethic and dedication. In the decades that followed, Dean transitioned into the tobacco industry, earning respect and admiration for his expertise and contributions. He built a successful career, but it was his personal touch and genuine relationships with people that made him stand out.

Over the years, he developed a wide range of interests—he loved reading, cooking, playing golf, and appreciated the performing arts. He was also an avid collector of comic books, coins, pipes, and cigars. These hobbies spoke to his appreciation of history and craftsmanship. His collection was more than just a pastime; it was a reflection of his love for discovering rare and unique treasures.

Dean enjoyed spending time with Nancy, going to concerts, plays, and baseball games, and traveling around the country and abroad. He loved to attend his grandchildren's’ sporting events, award ceremonies, and concerts. He is known by his family for his silly jokes and famous milkshakes, and willingness to help whenever there was a need.

We will forever miss his sharp wit, his unforgettable stories, and the warmth of his presence. Dean had a way of making people laugh and feel welcome, and his humor was a big part of who he was. While he may no longer be with us, his legacy of hard work, creativity, and love for his family will continue to inspire and guide us.

Dean is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Nancy; his son Troy Laffey; his daughter Heather Thomas (Brad); his daughter Mary Payne (Darrell Jr); and his grandchildren Kate and Kiersten Thomas, and Darrell and Madeline Payne. Dean is also survived by his step-sisters Nancy Bourke and Linda Dunlosky. He is preceded in death by his parents, step-sister Joy Brydon, and by his son, Philip Laffey, whose memory remained close to his heart.

A service to celebrate Dean’s life will be held at Lakeshore Mortuary in Mesa, AZ on Thursday, June 19th. Visitation will begin at 2:00 PM, followed by the service at 3:00 PM, with a reception to follow at La Casita in Mesa, AZ.

“Flowers can be sent to Lakeshore Mortuary, or please consider planting a tree in Dean’s memory by going to https://shop.alivingtribute.org/.