Guadalajara Reporter

Longtime Ajijic resident Joe Dean died November 4 at his La Floresta home at the age of 83. Born August 15, 1927 in Winnetka, Illinois, Dean joined the U.S. Merchant Marines when he was 16 years old, the U.S. Army two years later and the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 20. He served in the Pacific Theater after the end of World War II. Following his military service, Dean spent most of his life in the automobile business, owning several agencies. He was also an avid pilot.

Dean, his wife Dolores and his daughter moved to Lakeside in 1996. His affection for Mexico was instantaneous and he often said that his life began again when he moved here.

Always active in local charities, Dean often volunteered his time and talent for events, including the Chili Cookoff and benefit functions for Cruz Roja-Chapala and the Casa de Ancianos. When he wasn’t doing something, he was looking for opportunities to be of service.

Dean is survived by his wife of 35 years, as well as daughters Lisa Esham, Holly Pritchard and Sandra Bell of Tucson, Arizona, and Cindy Shadet of the Chicago area. He was preceded in death by a son, Charles Hermanson,  in 2001. He considered Dixie Nicholson of Lakeside his “adopted” daughter.

A celebration of Joe Dean’s life will be held Saturday, November 13, 2 p.m. at the old Banana’s Nightclub (his favorite place) located next to Absolut Fenix Real Estate office in San Antonio Tlayacapan.