Death of a Classmate - Captain Herbert J. Dean - 8th Co.

Captain Herbert J. Dean, U.S.N. (Ret.) died peacefully on January 12, 2018 in San Diego, California.  Born in 1927 in Lawrence, Massachusetts, he joined the Navy on his 17th birthday during WWII. He was sent to the Pacific Theater as a radio operator  where he served until after the liberation of the Philippines in 1946.  Returning stateside, after several assignments he received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. He entered the Academy in 1950 at age 23, with 6 years enlisted service. The day after graduation in June 1954, Herb married his high school sweetheart, Mary Theresa Corey ("May").

Herb's sea tours included Executive Officer of USS JENKINS (DD447), and Commanding Officer of USS FORSTER (DER 334) and USS DENNIS J. BUCKLEY (DD 808).  His shore tours included the Bureau of Naval Personnel, staff of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and Training Officer, Fleet Training Group, San Diego.  Herb received a Master of Science degree in International Affairs from The George Washington University, and also graduated from the College of Command and Staff and the College of Naval Warfare of the Naval War College, Newport, RI. Prior to his last assignment as Professor of Naval Science at the University of Utah, Herb served as Chief of Staff and Aide to Commander, Naval Surface Group Western Pacific and Commander Task Force SEVENTY THREE. His naval service spanned 38 years from WWII through numerous tours in Vietnam, with 6 years enlisted service, 4 years Naval Academy, and 28 years as a Commissioned Officer.  He received many medals including the Bronze Star with Valor and 2 Meritorious Service Medals.

After retirement, Herb was an active volunteer with May at Our Lady of Grace parish in San Diego which they attended for over 40 years. Herb's beloved wife preceded him in death on October 18, 2015.  He is survived by his son Herb, Jr., his daughter Mary and six grandchildren (Joseph, Tyler, and Nicholas Dean and Corey, Mary and Katherine Hall).  An Honor Guard burial will be held at Miramar Cemetery on February 1 at 11:30 am.  A Mass celebrating his life will be held at the Chapel of the Nazareth House in San Diego, 6333 Rancho Mission Rd, San Diego, on February 2 at 9:30 am with a reception following.