Paul Jossier Dean

Paul Jossier Dean, 84 of Albany died in Delmar Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing with family by his side after a long illness.
He is survived by is wife Marcia Hanson, his son, Paul Dean, (Wendy), Grand Rapids, MI, granddaughters Erica Blair Egan (Michael), New Haven, Conn., and Vanessa Marie Dean Phoenix, AZ, grandson Brandon Gerrit Dean Denver, CO, great granddaughter Grace Mary Egan, sister Mary Elisabeth Dean, West Long Branch, NJ, niece Julie Orr Clancy (Alan) ,Colts Neck, NJ, nephew Gregory Dean Orr, Blakeslee, PA, great niece and nephews Elisabeth Marie Orr, Queens, NY., William Dean Orr, Charlotte, NC, Daniel Joseph Orr, Matawan, NJ, Ryan Michael Clancy, Denver, CO, Timothy Alan Clancy., Colts Neck, NJ.

He is also survived by step-children Donald Hanson (Nora), William Hanson, Bruce Hanson (Sonetta) and grandchildren Mark Hanson, (Tiffany) Gregory Hanson, Alexandra Hanson, Tyler Hanson and Tessa Hanson and 2 great-grandchildren, Lukas and Naomi Hanson.

Born in Englewood, NJ. to Jesse Parke Dean and Marguerite Jossier Dean on April 19, 1937, he attended St. Cecelia's High School in Englewood and graduated from Cardinal Farley Military Academy in Rhinecliff, NY. He attended Villanova University until joining the Coast Guard. He married Mary Blair Dean Johnson in 1959 and relocated to Albany in 1963 where he worked for American Standard in sales. His son, Paul John Dean, was born in 1960 and the family then relocated to Niskayuna where Paul continued his career in technical sales with Rexford Plumbing and Heating, and then continued his career as a sales manager with Kaiser Aluminum Co. while attending Union College, graduating with a BS in Economics. In 1983 Paul left his career in sales and founded P.J. Dean, Inc., fulfilling a lifelong dream of owning his own trucking business.

Paul remarried in 1987 to Marcia Hanson and they traveled extensively together throughout Europe and Asia, and they also explored the US national Parks in 5 cross country trips by car. After surviving cancer, Paul sold his business but continued in trucking. He and Marcia discovered Maho Bay on St. John, in the US Virgin Islands, and spent many months sailing, snorkeling and hiking, volunteering in the National Park and working at Maho Camp.

Paul was an avid outdoorsman who loved hiking and biking, sailing and power boating, traveling, backpacking, following sporting events, and he loved dogs. He was an enthusiastic member of the Adirondack Mountain Club. Together, he and Marcia participated in extended trips with the ADK, including Tour de Mont Blanc in France, Italy and Switzerland, and the Canadian Rockies. During a visit to the Grand Canyon, Paul had the idea of hiking rim to rim and the following year that was accomplished. Two years later they were back for another 5 day backpack trip.

He loved following his grandchildrens' sporting events, faithfully attending rowing regattas, softball, hockey and lacrosse games.

Paul was a devoted member of AA for many years. He derived great satisfaction from mentoring new members and assisting in their recoveries.

Paul enjoyed working with the Albany Pine Bush Preserve as a trail steward.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at the Delmar Center who helped us through the later stages of Alzheimer's Disease, and showed such compassion and love until the end.

Many people will remember Paul for his deep voice, attention- getting laugh, very firm handshake, and gracious manners. He was always looking for ways to help others and assist those in need.

A summer celebration of life is planned.