Robert J. Dean:  Loving Husband, Father, and Grandfather

Robert J. Dean, 89, of 7796 Rte. 417, Bolivar, NY passed away peacefully Monday, February 19, 2024 at home with family by his side.

Born on August 20, 1934, in Alma, he was the son of the late James and Mildred Cline Dean.  On September 27, 1953, in Oswayo, he married the former Frances A. Sturdevant and together they shared the next 70 years together.

Bob was a graduate of Allentown High School.  He served in the United States Army and also served in the United States Army Reserves.

He owned and operated Bob’s Auto Body Shop in Bolivar for fifty years from 1970 until his retirement in 2020.

Bob was a member of the Bolivar United Methodist Church, Macedonia Lodge 258 F&AM, the Coudersport Consistory, the Ismailia Shriners, and the Empire State Towing and Recovery Association.  He had served on the Advisory Board at Alfred State College for the Auto body/Automotive Technical Program, and had served as President of the Southern tier Auto Body Association in the 1970’s.

When he wasn’t working he enjoyed mowing his lawn and caring for his property.  Bob never met a stranger and enjoyed visiting with his friends and customers who often stopped for a visit.  Bob and Fran liked to vacation in Maine and attend the tow shows in Lake George.  Most of all, he enjoyed time with family. 

In addition to his wife Frances, he is survived by

A Son               Scott (Penny) Dean                             Bolivar

A Daughter      Amanda (William) McDonnell            Bolivar

His Grandchildren       Dustin, Morgan, Matthew, Aleck and his great grandchildren Aidan, Kaleigh, and Danika.

Close Friends               Skip and Linda Benjamin, Jeff Olmstead

The Dean family invites family and friends to a Celebration of Bob’s life on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 from 4-7 P.M. at Bob’s Auto Body Shop, 7790 Rte. 417 Bolivar, New York 14715.

Arrangements are under direction of the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.rinkerfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Home Care and Hospice of WNY, 115 East Main Street, Allegany, New York 14706.