Albert E. Dean Jr., 72

BECKET, Mass. — Albert E. Dean Jr., 72, of 1100 Main St. passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Bay State Medical Center in Springfield, Mass.

Born on November 17, 1944, in Becket, he was a son of the late Albert E. Dean Sr. and the late Ruth Cooley Dean. A longtime resident of Becket, he was educated in Becket schools and proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. A logger for many years, he was employed at the former Kelly Lumber Company and Borgnis & Son. He retired in 2004. 

An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. His passions were bow hunting, shot gun and black powder hunting. 

He leaves his wife, Lorraine Gagne Dean of Becket, whom he married on July 2, 1988 in Becket; a daughter, Wendy Dean and her companion Douglas Holton of New Hampshire; four stepsons, Danny Beckwith and his wife Holly of Blanford, Robert Beckwith and his wife Susan of Becket, David Beckwith and his wife Mary Ann of Westfield and John Beckwith of Adams; a stepdaughter, Susan Kopy and her husband Brian of Westfield; his twin brother, Alan E. Dean of Becket; a sister, Endora LaFogg of Becket; three grandchildren, Nakoda Dean, Joshua Hubbard and Nakita Hubbard; five great-grandchildren; 11 step-grandchildren and seven step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. 

He was predeceased by a son; Edward A. Dean; and by his stepdaughter, Marie Dowland.

Funeral notice: Funeral services for Albert E. Dean Jr. of Becket who passed away March 18, 2017, will be held Thursday, March 23, 2017, at 6 p.m. at the Dery-Foley Funeral Home in Dalton. Burial with military honors will take place later in the spring in North Becket Cemetery. 

Calling hours will be held Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial donations in memory of Albert may be made to the Onota Fishing Club to support kids interest in fishing in care of the funeral home, 890 Main Street, Dalton, MA 01226.