Mel Dean

Melvin "Mel" Dean, aged 94, died peacefully on February 11, 2015 in Grand Rapids, MI. He was born in 1920 in New York, NY. Mel was preceded in death by his wife Norma Joy who died in 1999 and his son Jeffery Mark as well as brother Seymour and sister Anita (Major) Belkin. Surviving are his daughter Sandy (Keith) Falan and son Jean (Becky) Pre Fontaine. Also surviving are 4 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and 4 great great-grandchildren. Mel was a graduate of Ottawa Hills High School and Michigan State University obtaining a degree in Civil Engineering. He served honorably in World War II as an officer with the U.S Navy Construction Battalions (Seabees) and underwater demolition teams (SEALs). After the war he served as an associate editor with McGraw-Hill Publishing in New York City. Mel retired after many years serving as the Public Relations Director for the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place and Mel will be interred next to his wife in Fairpains Cemetery. Memorial services will be held at a later date.