Wilbur "Gerry" Dean

Wilbur Gerry Dean, 84, of Hyattsville, Maryland, passed away on August 27, 2026, leaving behind a life defined by hard work, devotion to family, generosity, and an unwavering willingness to take care of those around him.

He was born on March 9, 1942, in Washington, D.C., to Wilbur “Pete” Dean and Lyda LaRue Dean. Raised in Warriors Mark, Pennsylvania, he graduated from State College High School in 1960 and immediately enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country for four years as a military vehicle mechanic.

After completing his military service, he relocated to Riverdale, Maryland, where he met the love of his life, Lillian Dean. They married and built their life together in Hyattsville, in the home that would remain the center of their family for decades. At the time of his passing, they were just four days shy of celebrating their 61st wedding anniversary. Together, they welcomed daughters Virginia Dean in 1966 and Tammy Dean in 1967.

Wilbur was happiest when he could work with his hands. After working at the East Pines Esso Station and briefly installing flooring, he joined Aramark, delivering magazines throughout the Washington metropolitan area. His mechanical abilities eventually took him from behind the wheel into the shop, maintaining and repairing the very fleet of trucks he had once driven.

He later joined First Transit, servicing Montgomery County's Ride On bus fleet. His knowledge, work ethic, and mechanical ability eventually led him to become lead technician at the Beltsville facility, where he oversaw the shop's daily operations until retiring in 2004.

Retirement did little to slow him down. He simply wasn't a man who knew how to sit still. Whether caring for the yard, maintaining his vehicles, painting around the house, or finding another project that needed attention, there was always something to be done.

More than anything, Wilbur took care of people. He was dependable, generous, empathetic, and selfless. To say he would give someone the shirt off his back may sound cliché, but those who knew him knew it to be true. Family was at the center of his life. Affectionately known as “Pap” or “Pappy,” some of his greatest joy came from spending time with his family and watching another generation grow.

Wilbur was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur “Pete” Dean and Lyda LaRue Dean of Warriors Mark, Pennsylvania, and his daughter, Virginia Dean of Waldorf, Maryland.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Lillian Dean of Hyattsville, Maryland; his daughter, Tammy Dean of Hyattsville, Maryland; his grandson, Brandon Dean and his wife, Brittany Dean, of Hughesville, Maryland; his six great-grandchildren, Carter Fields, Tyler Dean, Carleigh Fields, Alexis Dean, Brynlee Dean, and Ayla Dean; his brother, Daryl Dean of Warriors Mark, Pennsylvania; and his nephews, Richard Dean and Daniel Dean, also of Warriors Mark, Pennsylvania.

Wilbur's legacy lives on through the family he loved, the people he helped, the lessons he passed down, and the example he set through a lifetime of hard work, honesty, dependability, and generosity.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the family's Go Fund Me.