DEAN, CULLEN

Posted by Cathy Gowdy on Monday, January 07, 2013 at 05:36:37 :

Marin Independent Journal
Sunday, September 16, 2001

DEAN, Martin 77, passed away September 7, 2001. Habing Family Funeral Home, (408) 847-4040.

Martin Dean
On September 7, 2001, at Pacific Hills Manor in Morgan Hill, Martin succumbed to his lengthy battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was 77. With him during the final days were his wife Betty, daughter Pam, and son Greg. He was also surrounded by caring staff members and dear friends Doris and Jorge.

Martin is survived by his wife of 56 years, his daughter Pamela and son-in-law Paul Cullen, son Gregory and daughter-in-law Cynthia along with grandchildren Michael, Bryan, and Jessica. He also leaves a brother Robert as well as a niece Suzanne and nephew Steven with whom he shares a common birthdate.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Martin entered World War II as a member of the U.S. Air Force immediately following high school graduation. After serving with honors, he returned and attended Alma College until he transferred to Michigan State University where he and Betty lived in the military housing on campus while he earned his B.A. and M.A. degrees. He began his educational career in Newark, Ohio, as a Speech and Hearing Therapist until he became Director of Special Education & Pupil Services. During his ten years in the Newark Public Schools, he also pursued his doctoral degree at Ohio State University. In 1973, he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from St. Leo College.

When he accepted a position as County Coordinator of Special Education for Ingham County Schools, this brought him back to the home of his Alma Mater. His next career change took him across country to California to work for the San Diego City Schools as Director of Special Services. During this time, he was instrumental in establishing the first center for trainable retarded children. Three years later, he accepted a position in the San Francisco Unified School District as Asst. Supt. for Special Educational Services where he remained for thirteen years. His final professional move was to the Monterey County Office of Education where he held the position of Asst.Supt. for Special Schools and Classes. He retired in 1986.

Martin was elected to the Board of Trustees for Marin Community College for two four-year terms when a second campus, Indian Valley Colleges, was developed in Novato while he was Board President. He was also a member of St. Anthony's Parish Board. He worked tirelessly for professional organizations and legislation for handicapped children. His vacations and "spare" time were often devoted to the role of visiting instructor in a variety of settings: Denison University, St. Joseph's Priory, Sts. Peter & Paul Seminary, and the University of Maine.

For exercise, he officiated football and basketball for 20 years -- even added lacrosse. He loved a round of golf, but never took it seriously. He was a willing volunteer and active in the community, usually accepting the presidency of homeowners associations so he could unify the residents, organize events, and build playgrounds.

He will be gravely missed, but God needs him now, and he's earned a rest.

A Memorial Service is planned at Habing Family Funeral Home in Gilroy. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Pacific Hills and Odyssey Hospice for their attentive care, and requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent in his memory to: The Parkinson's Institute, 1170 Morse Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94089-1605.