
Celebrating the life of
Joel S. Dean
Passed away on August 26, 2019

Savannah, GA — Joel S. Dean, aged 76, passed away Monday, August 26th, 2019 after a long illness.
He leaves his wife of 52 years, Rosemary (Penny) Dean (nee Greevey); his daughter, Rebecca Lehto of Savannah; his son James Dean of Savannah; his daughter in law, Carolyn Dean and his grandchildren, Stephen Lehto, Elizabeth Lehto, Catherine Lehto, Natalie Lehto, Samantha Lehto, Elizabeth Dean and John Thomas Dean; and many beloved sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Joel was born on Staten Island, New York on July 31, 1943 to Arthur and Esther Dean but grew up around the world living in Paris, France; the Azores, Portugal; New York City; and Summerville, S.C. After graduating from high school Joel joined the Army and relocated to Alexandria, VA where he met his wife. They were married in his wife’s home church in Gallitzin, PA on August 19, 1967 and they resided in Alexandria, VA. Joel spent his career working in computer technology eventually retiring from the Department of Housing and Urban Development where he worked as a Disability Accessibility Specialist. After retiring Joel and Penny split their time between Cresson, PA and Savannah, GA where they bought a home to be close to their grandchildren.
Joel enjoyed coaching his children’s sports teams, fishing, vacationing on the water in VA Beach, the Outer Banks and Hilton Head, golfing, and going out to dinner with good friends.
The family will be holding a private service in Savannah to celebrate Joel’s life.
Our thoughts and prayers go to all of the family. Joel was a great man to work with and an even better friend; his kindness and generosity was limitless. We will always remember him and all of you with love. We hope you will find comfort in the days ahead.
- Rhea Riso and Lenny Riso , Fairfax, Va
To the family, Joel was a good guy. He was a gentleman, and during one of the darkest phases of my life, he restored my confidence and showed me how to live as a blind person. His assistance and encouragement will never be forgotten. He loved his family and music. I am blessed to have known him.
- Wanda P Taylor, Alexandria, Virginia
I’m sorry for your loss. I pray that we all continue to keep in mind the many wonderful promises God has made to us for a brighter future. “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” -Revelation 21:4
- Smith , ,
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Dean family. I had the honor of working with Joel at HUD and benefitted from his guidance and friendship. He absolutely loved his family and was always sharing stories. It was obvious how much joy he received from every family member. I hope that you find much comfort in celebrating his life.
- Kelly Wong, Stevensville, MD
Penny, my sincere condolences to you and your family. The kindness you and Joel extended to our family will always bring a smile to my heart and mind. We grieve alone, but the sorrow of your loss is shared by all. Memories of Joel will always be with us.
- Fred Salit, Nesconset, NY
I am very sorry to hear about Joel. I truly enjoyed him in the fantasy baseball league and all the Marlo events he would attend. Great dry sense of humor, and the ability to keep Penny straight. You know the quality of a person when you smile thinking about him, and I smile thinking about Joel.
- Tim Connors, Frederick, MD
Penny, my heart brakes for you. Joel is one of the best people I ever met and you are one of the best friends I ever had. I know nothing anyone can say or do will help with your pain but please know we are here for you. Jim and Sheila
- Jim and Sheila Connors, Gaithersburg , Md
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids during this difficult time. God comfort and bless you.
- Mary Rae, Elmora, PA
Becky and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
- Lisa Wolfe, Alexandria , Va
Penny, I’m so sorry to hear that your beloved husband, Joel, has passed. I always enjoyed talking to him when he attended various Marlo functions with you. He always had something wonderful to say and share about you, Jimmy or Becky. My sincerest condolences to you and your family. All of you will be in my prayers.
- Pat Spence, Lexington Park , MD
Penny, We are so very sorry to hear of Joel's passing. We have missed you both and know that it has been a difficult road. Please know that we send you our love.
- Tony, Brenda and Anthony Guzic, Lilly , PA
I am truly sorry for your loss. Joel was so special to my family when we first moved to Virginia, as were you Penny. My kids were always loved in your home. My heart goes out to you and your family.
- Lisa Everett, Herndon, Virginia
So sorry for your loss, prayers to you family. Joel was a wonderful man and told the best stories. ???
- Pat and Judy Cannonie, Lilly, Pa
Becky and family, i was sorry to hear of your loss. Losing a parent is so difficult. Please know you all will be in my prayers
- Nancy Lawson, SAVANNAH, Georgia
Our thoughts and prayers go to all of the family. Joel was a great man to work with and an even better friend; his kindness and generosity was limitless. We will always remember him and all of you with love. We hope you will find comfort in the days ahead.
- Rhea Riso and Lenny Riso , Fairfax, Va
To the family, Joel was a good guy. He was a gentleman, and during one of the darkest phases of my life, he restored my confidence and showed me how to live as a blind person. His assistance and encouragement will never be forgotten. He loved his family and music. I am blessed to have known him.
- Wanda P Taylor, Alexandria, Virginia
I’m sorry for your loss. I pray that we all continue to keep in mind the many wonderful promises God has made to us for a brighter future. “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” -Revelation 21:4
- Smith , ,
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Dean family. I had the honor of working with Joel at HUD and benefitted from his guidance and friendship. He absolutely loved his family and was always sharing stories. It was obvious how much joy he received from every family member. I hope that you find much comfort in celebrating his life.
- Kelly Wong, Stevensville, MD
Penny, my sincere condolences to you and your family. The kindness you and Joel extended to our family will always bring a smile to my heart and mind. We grieve alone, but the sorrow of your loss is shared by all. Memories of Joel will always be with us.
- Fred Salit, Nesconset, NY
I am very sorry to hear about Joel. I truly enjoyed him in the fantasy baseball league and all the Marlo events he would attend. Great dry sense of humor, and the ability to keep Penny straight. You know the quality of a person when you smile thinking about him, and I smile thinking about Joel.
- Tim Connors, Frederick, MD
Penny, my heart brakes for you. Joel is one of the best people I ever met and you are one of the best friends I ever had. I know nothing anyone can say or do will help with your pain but please know we are here for you. Jim and Sheila
- Jim and Sheila Connors, Gaithersburg , Md
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids during this difficult time. God comfort and bless you.
- Mary Rae, Elmora, PA
Becky and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
- Lisa Wolfe, Alexandria , Va
Penny, I’m so sorry to hear that your beloved husband, Joel, has passed. I always enjoyed talking to him when he attended various Marlo functions with you. He always had something wonderful to say and share about you, Jimmy or Becky. My sincerest condolences to you and your family. All of you will be in my prayers.
- Pat Spence, Lexington Park , MD
Penny, We are so very sorry to hear of Joel's passing. We have missed you both and know that it has been a difficult road. Please know that we send you our love.
- Tony, Brenda and Anthony Guzic, Lilly , PA
I am truly sorry for your loss. Joel was so special to my family when we first moved to Virginia, as were you Penny. My kids were always loved in your home. My heart goes out to you and your family.
- Lisa Everett, Herndon, Virginia
So sorry for your loss, prayers to you family. Joel was a wonderful man and told the best stories. ???
- Pat and Judy Cannonie, Lilly, Pa
Becky and family, i was sorry to hear of your loss. Losing a parent is so difficult. Please know you all will be in my prayers
- Nancy Lawson, SAVANNAH, Georgia
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200