Obituary of Dean P. Dejana

Dean P. Dejana passed away at home on Tuesday, December 13, 2016. He was 32 years old. Dean was born November 17, 1984 at North Shore Hospital in Manhasset. He was a lifelong resident of Port Washington, attended Port Washington public schools and graduated from Schreiber High School. He went on to become an outstanding student at New York University and Queens College, where he studied philosophy, logic and mathematics. Dean was gifted with an extraordinary intellect from an early age and shared many thoughtful intellectual observations with family and friends throughout his life. He loved sports, was a dedicated baseball and football fan, and closely followed the exploits of his favorite football team, the Chicago Bears. Dean was a fine cook and excelled in the kitchen. He was also a strong and accomplished weightlifter, capable of extraordinary lifting feats. All who knew Dean were familiar with his love for family, particularly his fondness for holidays and other special occasions spent with them. Those times were always among his most cherished memories. Dean was a truly loving son, nephew, grandson, cousin and friend. He was kind, caring, sensitive and personable. He is survived by his loving parents, Jeri and Peter Dejana of Port Washington, and his devoted girlfriend, Susan Pettersen. Dean is also survived by his uncle Vincent Dejana and his aunts Giovanna Bruce, Antoinette Lewis, Linda Dejana and Cathy Dejana. He was predeceased by his uncle Phil Dejana and by his grandparents, Margaret and Dewey Zentz, with whom he shared a special and close bond. Contributions in Dean’s memory may be made to the Port Washington Senior Citizens Center, Inc. or the Humane Society of New York. The Dejana family wishes to extend its appreciation for the many expressions of sympathy and support they have received during this time. Services and interment are private.