George Austin Dean, III

George Austin Dean, III, of Middleborough, was only 10 days away from turning 87 years old; George passed peacefully in hospice while holding his daughter's hand, from complications of a stroke, on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.

Born on December 21, 1937, at the Goddard Hospital in Brockton and raised in Randolph and Holbrook, George graduated from Holbrook High School, Class of 1955.  He moved to Middleborough in 1975 where he resided for the remainder of his life.

George was a freelance carpenter most of his life, specializing in roofing and built his own home in Middleborough.  He enjoyed watching westerns, sports, listening to country music and playing the lottery, always sharing with his children when he won.  He was a great cook and made the best chili in the world!  George was an avid reader, along with being a car and Harley enthusiast; he once owned a '59 Mercury car (that the family called the "Batmobile"), a 1949 Indian motorcycle and a 1955 Harley Davidson.

It was easy to see that George had a "green thumb" as his house plants always thrived and he enjoyed the small garden he grew while living on South Main Street in Middleborough.  He also enjoyed doing some landscaping and planting of beautiful flowers at the Mitchell Memorial Club in Middleborough, where he had been an active member for decades, serving as President in 1977, 1983 and 2012.  George was a member of the Mitchell Club's Nomination Committee and he was the Chairman of the Flag Committee where he was dedicated to placing American Flags at the graves of former members who were veterans.  He did this every Veteran's Day at several cemeteries in Middleborough as he honored and had a deep respect for those who served our country.  George also helped out in the kitchen at the Mitchell Club during special events and worked the gate at the Cobra football games.

He donated to many charities that were meaningful and important to him including the Disabled Vets Foundation, Defenders of  Wildlife, Saint Jude Children's Hospital, Paralyzed Veterans of America and many more.  George was loved by his family, neighbors and friends; he was always eager and willing to lend a helping hand and all enjoyed his sense of humor.  He will be so dearly missed by his family and friends.

George had three children with his former wife, the late Susan (Mahan) Dean.  George was the proud and cherished father of Cheryl Dean of Taunton, Edward Dean & his wife Jennifer of Indian Trail, NC and the late Peter Dean.  His loving partner, Grace McCarthy predeceased him in 2021.  He was the dear brother of Martha O'Meara of Bourne & her late husband Jack, and Regina Schraut & her husband Mark of Holbrook; loving grandfather (Grandpa) of David L. Soule, III and (Papa George) to Bayleigh Gidney, Delaney Dean, Sam Dean, Jamie Dean and Jesse Dean; and doting great-grandfather of Ben, Tabitha, William and Margot.

Family and friends are welcome to the visiting hours at the Ashley Funeral Home, 35 Oak Street, Middleborough, on SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 NOON, followed by a Prayer Service at 12:00 NOON.

Interment services will be private.

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