Dean

George Robert Dean, 81, of Chicora, passed away with loved ones beside him at home on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022.

George was born to William Wendell and Ethel (McFarland) Dean in New Castle, Lawrence County on Nov.13, 1941.

He graduated from Laurel High School in 1959, where he served as the secretary of his FFA Chapter.

He married his loving wife, Peggy Moore on Sept. 16, 1972.

He worked for Agway Inc. for 17 years, retiring in 1980. In 1979, he and his family moved to what would become Ro-Ann Haven Dairy Farm in Chicora. He was a hard working man with a passion for agriculture, hunting, mentoring others, and watching old Westerns.

George had served as a director of the Pennsylvania Jersey Cattle Association, Butler County Holstein Club, Butler County Farm Bureau, the Butler County Penn State Extension Executive Board, The Butler County 4-H Development Committee, and served various terms as president for all these organizations.

He was proud to serve as a leader of the Butler County 4-H Dairy Club for 39 years, and as a member of the Butler Farm Show Board of Directors for 41 years, and had served multiple terms as president. These organizations allowed him to mentor others, not just in agriculture, but in the ways of life.

In 2019, George received a Distinguished Service Award from the Pennsylvania State Jersey Association, and the Bullshipper Award. In 2022, he was honored and humbled to receive the Butler Farm Show Founder’s Award. George and his family were proud recipients of the Butler Eagle Bowl presented at the Butler Farm Show in 1989, 1995 and 2022.

George was known for his compassion, generosity, and love for others. As a family friend commented, “He was a dad and pap to half the world.”

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Peggy of Chicora; and his five children, Trinda Booher (Matt Harlan), Cathy (Mark) Sodersten and Jodi Ketterer (Rick Nail), all of New Castle, and Michael Dean of Chicora, and Angela (Randall) Burke of Worthington; seven grandchildren, Kate (Matt) Aiken, Colton Myers, Troy Booher, Jake Booher, Carri Myers, Kylie Burke and Mitchell Burke; and one great-grandchild, Luke Aiken.

Also surviving are his sister, Sally (Pete) Makarevich; his brother, Philip (Cindy) Dean of New Castle; his brother-in-law, Thomas (Sue) Moore of Portersville; as well as four nieces and five nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Lloyd and M. Hulda Moore; a brother, William Dean; and a sister, Phoebe Parish.

DEAN — Friends of George Robert Dean, who died Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022, at THOMPSON-MILLER FUNERAL HOME, 124 E. North St., Butler. Friends will also be received one hour before the funeral service.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with Pastor Patrick Keely and Pastor Judy Wilson officiating.

A private burial will take place at Mountville Cemetery.

Online condolences may be given at www.thompson-miller.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.