Roll Call Tribute

Published in Gainesville (FL) Sun from Mar. 3 to Mar. 4, 2015

Robert G. Dean

DEAN, 
ROBERT GEORGE, 84 
Robert G. Dean of Gainesville, FL passed away Saturday February 28, 2015 at North Florida Regional Medical Center with his loving family by his side. 
Robert (Bob) was born November 1, 1930 in Laramie, WY, to George Horton and Harriet (Blevins) Dean. He was preceded in death by his father and mother; and sisters, Lillian Dean, Miriam (Dean) Allard Massell, and Parke (Dean) Langholf. Bob lived in Walden, CO until the age of 12 before moving to Long Beach, CA with his mother, Harriet, and sister, Miriam. 
Bob graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach in 1948. Upon graduation he attended Long Beach City College for 2 years, graduating with an Associates of Arts Degree in 1952, a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of California Berkeley in 1954, a Master's Degree in Oceanography from Texas A&M University in 1956, and a Doctorate of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1959. 
Bob was a researcher, consultant, practitioner, and professor in coastal engineering, and loved studying beaches. He taught at several universities including MIT, University of Washington, University of Delaware, and University of Florida (UF). From 1985 to 1987 he was Director of the Division of Beaches and Shores, Florida Department of Natural Resources, and was named Emeritus Graduate Research Professor upon his retirement from UF in 2003. Bob was a Distinguished Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), an ASCE Diplomate in Coastal Engineering, a Member of the National Academy of Engineering, and authored or coauthored three books, more than 20 book chapters, and more than 200 technical publications. He was active in several professional organizations studying and promoting the health of beaches including the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association. 
Bob is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Phyllis (Thomas) Dean, daughter Julie (Dean) Rosati of Arlington, VA, son Tim Dean and his wife Ruth Dean of Gainesville, FL. He had five grandchildren: Robert Rosati of Austin, TX, William Rosati of Mobile, AL, and Michael, Brian and Courtney Dean of Gainesville, FL. 
In his spare time Bob enjoyed hunting and making arrowheads, stream fishing for trout, and spending time with his family. Bob and Phyllis enjoyed trips back to Colorado most summers for fishing, hiking and visiting with family. 
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 11:00 a.m., at Westside Baptist Church, 10000 West Newberry Road, with Pastor Asa Walker officiating. 
Bob loved life and loved his vocation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the University of Florida Foundation, PO Box 14425, Gainesville, FL 32604 or online at www.uff.ufl.edu. Please note 'Fund #006239 in memory of Bob Dean' on your gift. Please visit his memorial page at 
www.williamsthomas 
funeralhome.com 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
WILLIAMS-THOMAS 
DOWNTOWN 
(352) 376-7556


Funeral Home
Williams-Thomas Funeral Home Downtown
404 North Main Street Gainesville, FL 32601
(352) 376-7556