10/16/2025
Wallace W. Dean, Sr., 83, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2025, after a long illness. Born on February 25, 1942, in Hartford, Connecticut, he was the son of the late Dow Dean and the late Mildred Strauss. Wallace grew up in West Granby, Connecticut, the second of five children and maintained close relationships with his siblings throughout his life. After graduating high school, Wallace was drafted into the U.S. Army and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. Upon returning home, he married Maryanne (Dean) Goodman, and together they raised their two children, Wallace W. Dean, Jr. (predeceased in 2022) and Cheryl (Dean) Seibert. Wallace spent much of his career at Farmington Industrial Park, where he held a variety of roles including Heavy Equipment Operator, Supervisor, and Property Manager. Wallace retired to Chesterbrook, Pennsylvania, where he shared his life with his beloved partner, Dorothy Joyce Rudzewick. Together, they created a warm and loving home, enjoying time with Dorothy’s children and granchildren, and many trips to Daytona for NASCAR racing events. His family and friends in Connecticut looked forward to his regular visits in his Chevy Tahoe which he meticulously maintained to attend the Big E, test his luck at the Mohegan Sun Casino, attend car shows, visit with friends, and spend time with his family. Wallace will be lovingly remembered by his beloved partner, Joyce Rudzewick and her family; Cheryl Seibert and her husband Tyler of Barkhamsted, CT; his grandchildren, Hilary Reina and partner Michael Cser of Barkhamsted, CT, Elizabeth Dean and Charles Dean of Torrington, CT; and his great-grandson, Miles Cser. He leaves behind his siblings, Valerie Dean of Florida, Allen Dean of East Hartford, CT, Janet McCall of Vernon, CT, and Donna Gourley and her husband Chris of Cheshire, CT, along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He will be forever remembered for his kind heart, playful humor, and lifelong love of country music, NFL football, American-made classic cars, NASCAR racing—especially his admiration for his hero, Dale Earnhardt, Sr. Above all else, he was proud of his service to his country, and the life he built with those he loved. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Veterans Administration Medical Centers in Coatesville and Philadelphia, PA, for their excellent medical care and support and to Penn Medicine Hospice for their compassion and kindness during Wallace’s final days. A graveside service with military honors will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Granby Cemetery in Granby, Connecticut.