WHITEHALL – Shawn M. Dean, 30, of Whitehall and formerly of Queensbury, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 21, 2016, after struggling with addiction.
Born February 12, 1986, in Glens Falls, he was the son of Robert Dean, Sr. and Nina Gustafson.
Shawn was a graduate of Queensbury High School, attended Stony Brook University and a graduate of the Tool and Die Maker Apprentice Program of General Electric.
He was employed by General Electric in Rutland.
Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Shawn will say that he was the most kind and caring person. An articulate man with so much knowledge to share and always ready to discuss or debate, he was the best person for late night talks. Never too busy to lend a listening ear to those in need, he did all he could to bring a smile to your face. From a very young age it was obvious that Shawn was full of so much love. From saving all the stray animals to his fan favorites in sports (Dolphins and Red Sox) Shawn was always rooting for the underdog. It was not uncommon for him to stop what he was doing to help someone in need. He would help the homeless, pick up hitchhikers, give you the shirt off his back, the food on his plate, or better yet cook you your own. Shawn enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking and rock climbing with his friends and family. He found peace and solitude in music, especially Led Zeppelin and Tool. From the time his daughter was a baby he would play his favorite songs for her, the two of them laughing and singing together. Above all, the most important part of his life, his pride and joy, was being a father to his beautiful daughter Cambria. She was the love of his life and he always had the biggest smile whenever she was by his side. She will carry that smile for all that loved him to keep his memories alive in our hearts
He is predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Irving and Mary E. Dean, Sr.; his maternal grandmother Eunice Clark; and his cousin and work partner, Logan Dean.
Survivors include Robert Dean, Sr. and his companion, Lucy Elder of Queensbury and Nina Gustafson and his step-father, Warren, of Queensbury; his daughter, Cambria Dean of Queensbury, he is survived by: his companion, Elizabeth Johansson of Whitehall; his grandfather Charles Clark of South Glens Falls; his brother Robert L. Dean, Jr. and his wife, Jennifer of Queensbury; his two sisters: Angela Dean and her companion, Ron Diffee of Fenimore, and Stephanie Dean and her companion, Dave Carletta of Rochester; the mother of his child, Melissa Mapes of Queensbury; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and cousins.
Friends may call on Sunday from 4 to 7 PM at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM on Monday, at the Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation on Aviation Rd in Queensbury with the Rev. Joseph Busch, pastor, officiating.
The Rite of Committal will follow in St. Alphonsus Cemetery in the town of Queensbury.