Jeff Dean
Jeff Dean, 69, of Findlay, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025.
Born July 2, 1955, to James and Betty Lou Dean, and married for 45 years to his wife, Jill (Ritter), Jeff is survived by his wife; children, Joshua (Leigh) Dean, Findlay; Jenalee (David) Jacobsen, Columbus and Jordan (Mia) Dean, Nashville, Tenn.; beloved grandchildren, Leona, Linus and Daisy; sister, Jaimye Bushey, North Baltimore; sister-in-law, Toni (Doug) Lee; brothers-in-law, Jeff (Lana) Ritter and Chuck Ritter; and many nieces and nephews.
He is succeeded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, David Bushey; and beautiful great-niece, Paige Jacobs.
Graduated from North Baltimore High School in 1973, Jeff earned his undergraduate degree in education from Findlay College in 1977, and a master’s from Bowling Green State University in 2005. A career teaching fifth and sixth grade to Arlington School students followed, with 35 years in front of the class. Jeff’s main interest was science, in particular getting youngsters of that age interested and familiarized with basic physics and astronomy. For most of his career, telescope observation events were conducted not only for the students of Arlington but other community groups as well. In addition to the yearly viewings, special astronomical events were shared. One of the most satisfying was leading, alongside his sons, a small group of observers in southern Kentucky to view the total solar eclipse of 2017 – and doing it once again, this time from his own backyard in 2024. Two of his most cherished adventures included traveling with his family to the top of Mauna Kea, Hawaii, to see some of the world’s largest telescopes and embarking on a meticulously planned solo journey along the full length of U.S. Route 66.
Jeff was a small business owner, creating two distinguished operations in Findlay, Dean Sound and with Doug Lee, DLS Installations. Dean Sound opened shop in 1982 and provides audio production equipment and engineering for large-scale events. Jeff has worked with thousands of performers all over Ohio over his career as an audio engineer, ranging from national touring groups to U.S. presidents. DLS, formed in 2003, sells and installs professional audio systems, and Jeff and Doug have countless systems in place in the area.
Jeff’s curiosity led him to research and visit historic sites and events, the odder, the better. A canal buff, he has visited most of Ohio’s canal ruins and hiked their towpaths. He and Jill also deeply enjoyed visiting their daughter when she lived in California and exploring the NorCal region.
Jeff’s remains have been returned to the dust of this pale blue dot.
The family invites friends and loved ones to honor Jeff’s life at Coldren-Crates Funeral Home, Findlay. Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 21, from 2-7 p.m. A funeral service will follow on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 11:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to support the establishment of The Jeff Dean Astronomy & Science Exploration Fund. This fund will enable the family to collaborate with Jeff’s former friends and colleagues to honor his legacy by fostering scientific curiosity and advancing astronomy education for students of all ages. Contributions can be made through the following GoFundMe link: https://gofund.me/f4bbda3b.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.coldrencrates.com.
