George "Pep" Dean, Jr., 71, resident of New Smyrna Beach, FL, formerly of Upton, MA, died Thursday, October 16, 2014 in a motorcycle accident. He was the devoted husband of Margaret (Gorman) Dean for 51 years. Pep born in Worcester, MA, was the oldest son of the late George and Gertrude (Ramsey) Dean. He was a graduate of Northbridge High School and Northeastern University Lincoln College, and worked for many years in computer engineering for Bolt, Beranek, and Newman (BBN) in Cambridge, MA, and at Camp Smith Military Air Station in Aiea, HI. Pep proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1961 to 1965 at Cherry Point, NC, Iwakuni, Japan, and with Gray Ghost Squadron VMFA-531 in Da Nang, Vietnam. He is Past Commander and Past Quartermaster of VFW Post 4250, New Smyrna Beach, FL, and presently a Life Member of George L. Wood VFW Post 5594, Upton, MA. Pep was also a Life Member of Am Vets Post 911, Port Orange, FL and a member of the Marine Corps League, Detachment 144, Worcester, MA. He spent many hours volunteering for military veterans' causes. Pep and his wife enjoyed camping and cruising, and traveled through 45 U.S. states, Canada, Italy, Bermuda, and many Caribbean Islands. In addition to his wife, Pep leaves four children, Julie Dean of Belchertown, MA, Terri DiVirgilio and her husband Emidio of Walpole, MA, Michael Dean of Upton, MA, and Michelle Sheehan and her husband Dennis of Upton, MA; five cherished grandchildren, Christina and Anthony DiVirgilio, Abbigail and Dean Sheehan, and Rachel Dean; three siblings, Fred Dean, Paul Dean and his wife Colleen, and Joy Bell; and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Pep's life will take place in Upton, MA at a future date. If desired, donations may be made in Pep's name to the George L. Wood VFW Post 5594, P.O. Box 472, Upton, MA 01568.

Published in Daytona Beach News-Journal on Oct. 19, 2014