Joseph P. Dean

COLONIE - Joseph P. Dean, 82, passed away October 30, 2026, at Albany Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. Joseph was the son of the late Annetta Colonno Dean Hallak and Ralph J. Dean.

Joe attended schools in Albany and graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy. After graduation, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving from 1963-1967. He was proud to have served aboard the USS Independence as an Air Traffic Controller. When he talked about his time in the service, Joe made it a point to mention that the USS Independence was the largest air craft carrier in the Navy. After the Navy he worked for Western Electric then for New York State as a computer operator, where he retired after 30 years of service.

Joe was the devoted husband of the love of his life, Arlene Glass Dean, whom he met shortly after his discharge from the Navy, and would have celebrated 57 years of marriage, November 8, 2026. Together they raised two children, Joseph P. Dean Jr. (Sadie) and Tiffany (Derek) Abraham. Joe is the brother of Ralph (Ansje) Dean of South Carolina and the late Anthony (Pat) Dean. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, Christopher (McKenna) and Alexis Dean, Trinity, Kendall and Madden Abraham and his great granddaughter Molly Mae Dean. Joe loved to teach his grandchildren how to fill the bird feeders and always let them help. As the grandchildren got older, he and Arlene would attend their sporting events and frequently take them for ice cream. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Joe’s family offers their sincere thanks and appreciation to the wonderful staff at Albany Medical Center. We are most grateful for your kindness and compassion.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Joe’s family on Monday, November 9, 2026 from 9:30 to 10:30 am at Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave. Colonie. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday morning at 11:00 at St. Clare’s Church, Colonie. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joseph’s name to the Alzheimer's Association Northeastern New York Chapter.