Mr. Dean A. Talcott

Funeral services for Mr. Dean A. Talcott, age 73, of Potsdam, New York will be held on Tuesday, January 13th at 11am at Trinity Episcopal Church. Arrangements are with the Garner Funeral Service. Online condolences can be sent at www.garnerfh.com. Friends may call at the Garner Funeral Service on Sunday, January 11, from 2-8pm and on Monday, January 12, from 2-8pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to the Dean A. Talcott Memorial Scholarship Fund for Potsdam Central School Athletes in care of Potsdam Central School at 29 Leroy Street, Potsdam, NY 13676 or to the Signal 30 Fund at 120 State Street, Albany, NY 12207. Signal 30 is a fund that benefits NYS Troopers and their families.

Dean passed away suddenly on Jan 8th at his home in Potsdam. He was born October 29, 1941, in Potsdam, N.Y, to Herbert and Mildred Philpot Talcott, and grew up in Slab City. He attended a one room school through 7th grade and graduated from Potsdam High School in 1959. He attended St. Lawrence University for one year, playing freshman football and hockey. He graduated from Simmons Embalming School in 1963, became a licensed New York State funeral director and worked at Garner Funeral Home in Potsdam and also worked in the funeral business in Bronxville and Rome, N.Y. On June 23, 1966 he was accepted at the New York State Police Acadamy at Oneonta State University and graduated as a Trooper on October 29, 1966. He was first assigned to Troop A and then permanently assigned to Troop B in Malone, stationed from Chazy, Malone, Massena, and Canton. Dean's career as a Trooper afforded him many memorable experiences. Dean was always good to tell you his favorite Trooper stories. His favorites being Danemora after the Prison guard strike, just after Attica prison riots, and the most memorable detail would be his experience at the 1980 Winter Olympics where, while he was off duty, he was able to work his way into the "Miracle on Ice" USA vs Russia game. His family would listen for hours about all his Trooper experiences. He loved his time as a Trooper.

On April 7, 1968 he married Cynthia Cook, at the Potsdam United Methodist Church. She predeceased him on August 29, 2011. Together they have 3 great children, Kelly(Tony)Moores Bedford, NH, Kevin(Jenna)Talcott Potsdam, NY and Kara(Justin)Janaro, Essex Junction, VT and 7 grandchildren; Hannah, Chloie, Cameron, Jonah, Hailey, Drew & Luke.

In September of 1980, Dean & Cindy purchased the Garner Funeral Home in Potsdam, NY From George and Ruth Garner. He resigned from the New York State Police in April of 1981, a decision which was very difficult. He always considered himself as a part of the New York State Police. Cindy and Dean operated the Garner Funeral Home until 2001 when an opportunity came to sell the business. Dean continued to have an active role at the funeral home right until his death.

He was a member of the Assoc. of Former New York State Troopers, Adirondack Chapter, Trinity Episcopal Church, Potsdam, N.Y, Bayside Cemetery Assoc., a former Elk, a former Rotary Member, a former board member of Potsdam Junior Hockey Assoc. and a PCS Hall of Fame inductee.

Dean enjoyed spending time with his family and friends whether it was at their camp on Higley, visiting his family out of state, at a sporting event watching his grandchildren or just having his whole family home for the holidays. He was a family man. You could always find Dean with his friends. Whether it be at Martin's "Road Kill cafe", coffee club or hitting the links in the summer with friends, both old and new. His friends from childhood through adulthood are what gave him remarkable support through the loss of his wife Cindy. He was always amazed by the support he felt from his friends and community which he took so much pride in.