David T. Dean, 84, of Madison, died peacefully Nov. 14 with his family by his side after a brief illness. He was born April 30, 1929 in Taunton, Massachusetts to Arline and Sheldon Dean. He served as Pvt. First Class in the United States Army during the Korean War, and was stationed at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland, where he married his wife of 62 years, Carolyn.

David settled his family in the shoreline area, and resided in Madison for the past 50 years. He taught woodworking at Branford High School for 37 years, and was honored as Outstanding Teacher of the Year in 1981 by the CT Industrial Arts Association.

He was an active member of the Madison First Congregational Church, and the Madison Lions Club, where he served as president in 1969. His passions included traveling the country by RV, wintering in Florida, and gathering with friends. He never turned down an invitation for a game of “Joker,” and enjoyed creating woodwork projects for friends and relatives in his home workshop.

He is survived by his wife Carolyn; children Linda and her husband Val Kralik, Royce Dean and his wife Robin, and Judith Dean; two beloved granddaughters, Juliana Kralik and Katherine Kralik; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Elizabeth Graham.

His funeral service was held Nov. 18 at the First Congregational Church, Madison. Burial was in West Lane Cemetery, Berlin. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Madison Lions Club Foundation, P.O. Box 99, Madison, CT 06443. Swan Funeral Home, Madison, was in charge of arrangements.