Bruce N. Dean

Bruce Nelson Dean of Trumansburg passed away at home on April 18, 2015 after a long illness at the age of 68.

Bruce was born June 20, 1946 in Trumansburg, NY where he spent his entire life. He graduated from Trumansburg Central School and attended Cornell University and Alfred State College to study Agriculture. After college Bruce worked several agricultural jobs including a job as a diesel mechanic for Dryden Implement formerly, John Deere equipment. In 1974 he made the decision to become a full-time crop farmer along side his wife and family which he continued for 40 years. During that time, he also raised beef cattle and spent a few years breeding and raising hogs. In the winter, Bruce worked as a tractor trailer driver to stay busy.

Bruce was a quiet man who loved the beautiful Finger Lakes and all of nature. He had a special fondness for beautiful long views, like those found in the mountains of the Adirondacks. Bruce even named his fields for such wonderful places like "The Florida Field", and "Switzerland". He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to travel to the "hunting camp" to deer hunt each year near both Wanakena and Inlet and also went on many fishing trips to Mud Bay and Dexter. Bruce also quietly enjoyed the company of good friends.

He went to countless Farm Shows in many different states and was a staple at the Empire Farm Days each year. Bruce loved Woodcutter's Shows in Booneville and Farm Auctions in various places, Car Shows in Carlisle, PA, as well as air shows. Many of his favorite family memories included watching the gliders on Harris Hill, camping along the St. Lawrence River, vacationing with relatives in Florida, summer barbecues at the ponds, family picnics at the cottage on Cayuga Lake, snowmobiling, drive-in movies, and of course, all the hours working the fields and cutting wood as a family.

The family would like to thank the many medical folks who took care of Dad, including Dr Robert Hesson, Nurse Linda Bancroft Smith, Dr. James Coleman, Lifetime Care Nurse Linda Laquitara, and Lifetime Care Aid Bettyjoe Bowman. You are all very special people and were special to Dad.

Bruce is survived by his loving supportive wife of nearly 48 years, Dawn Updike Dean; his children, Angie (Dave) Capps, Fred (Tammy) Dean, Deb Dean Stasierowski, and Tim (Christina) Dean; 10 grandchildren, Josh, Danny, Jacob, and Joey Capps, Alyssa and Samantha Dean, Brian and Rachel Stasierowski, and Paige and Sawyer Dean; a brother, Don Dean of Merritt Island, FL; two brothers in law, Hoppy Raymond and Ronald (Maureen) Updike of Trumansburg; and many nieces and nephews. He adored his animals and will be sadly missed by his dogs "Wilson" and "Monster", as well as the attack cat "Baxter." He was predeceased by his parents, Wes and Winnie Dean; his brother Jim Dean; and his sister Liz Raymond.

The family will be present to receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00pm on Thursday, April 23, 2015 at their residence at 9439 Arden Road, Trumansburg. A Celebration of Bruce's life and the sharing of memories in the form of a party, just like the old days, will be held at his family pond on Arden Road on June 20th.

In lieu of flowers the family asks those who would like to make a contribution in Bruce’s memory to kindly consider Lifetime Care Hospice of Seneca and Wayne Counties, 3111 Winton Road South, Rochester, NY 14623.