Donald "Don" Ralph Dean

Don was born on November 27, 1930, to Ralph and Edna Dean (Robinett) in Washington, D.C. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, five children (Don Jr., Bill, Scott, Paula and Karen), 12 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren (so far).

Don grew up in Washington, D.C. and attended Eastern High School (go Ramblers!). After graduating in 1948, he enlisted in the Navy in 1949 as a seaman recruit and got married to Dorothy Ann Poirier the following year. Don served 20 years in the Navy as a yeoman and personnel officer. He was promoted quickly during those 20 years, including being selected as a Chief Petty Officer and then entering the officer ranks as a Limited Duty Officer (aka a Navy Mustang). He was stationed in multiple locations, including Brooklyn, NY, Washington, D.C., Norfolk, VA, and San Diego, CA. He served during the Viet Nam War on multiple combat vessels, and he received numerous citations and medals during his Navy career. He retired as a Lieutenant Junior Grade in 1969.

Don joined the civil service soon after his discharge from the Navy, working as a field representative for the Veteran’s Administration Office in San Diego for 26 years until retiring for good. During that time, Don obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from San Diego State (go Aztecs!).

An important part of Don’s life was being a proud member of the Knights of Columbus Assumption Council 3368, where he honorably served as the Grand Knight for several years.

In retirement, Don became an avid traveler as he and Dorothy travelled all over the world taking numerous cruises on Holland America ships and joining many tour groups to locales such as China, South America, Alaska, Tahiti, Europe and Canada. He also enjoyed bowling, playing tennis, line dancing, Tai Chi, spending time at their condominium timeshare in La Jolla, watching sports on TV, reading books, drinking wine, going to his timeshare in Las Vegas where he “excelled” at blackjack, and being with his family. He had a joyous spirit, a great sense of humor, and loved his wife and family immensely. He lived a full and rewarding life and will be missed greatly by his family.

A funeral service will be held from 1 PM to 2 PM at the Magnolia Room at Glen Abbey Memorial Park, 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA, 91902. Following the funeral service, there will be a short procession to the gravesite for the committal service and military honors.

A reception will be held from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Orchid Pavilion in Glen Abbey Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in Don’s name.