On 4/17/2018, Marvin Vincent Dean, 85, of Orlando, Florida, died peacefully at home with his daughter Karen and son Steven by his side. A beloved husband, father, uncle, grandfather, godfather and friend, Marvin touched the lives of many.
He was born and raised in Panama City, Republic of Panama. A Korean War-era veteran, he emigrated to the United States at the age of 20, serving for four-years in the United States Air Force (USAF).
After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the USAF, Marvin married the love his life, Fulvia Joyce Newball. They eventually settled in San Francisco and Foster City, California where they raised four children, Angelo, Tony, Karen and Steven. Marvin went on to serve for 28 years with the San Francisco Police Department, where he was assigned to the Mission Station, and later, the Narcotics and Homicide Details. A truly, legendary cop, he worked as an undercover officer in the Narcotics Detail in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, and as an Inspector and Lieutenant in the Homicide Detail. He was notably the first person of color ever to serve as the Commander of the Homicide Detail, which was the position in which he retired.
Marvin was a loving father and grandfather who was forever proud of his Panamanian heritage. In 2009, he fulfilled his dream of traveling to Panama with all of his grandchildren.
He loved all of the San Francisco sports teams, was a 49ers season ticket holder for many years, and attended hundreds of Giants and 49ers games at Candlestick Park. He loved spiritual gospel music, Fulvia’s cooking, and recounting his very interesting stories as police Inspector.
He relocated to Orlando, Florida in 1996, and was preceded in death by his wife Fulvia (2015), and sons Angelo (2009) and Tony (2002). He is survived by his daughter Karen, and son Steven (Marti), grandchildren Beth, Marcus, Matthew, Antonio, Rachel and Carlos, great granddaughter Dakota, sister Elvira, daughter-in-law Lorraine, and many nieces, nephews, god-children and loving friends.
His laughter, and sage advice will truly be missed.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Woodlawn Funeral Home in Gotha, Florida. A memorial service will be held on 4/28/2018 at 10:00am, Church At The Cross, 700 Good Homes Road, Orlando, Florida 32818. For family and friends in California, a memorial service will also be held on 5/12/2018 in the San Francisco Bay Area at a yet to be determined location.
Condolences may be offered at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com
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