Obituary of Eric Dean

Eric Robert Dean was born in Monroe on September 30, 1995. He was the oldest of two sons born from the union of Robert "Rob" and Jacqueline "Jackie" (Fleming) Dean. Eric was a great kid, a loving son and brother. Music was his life and he was a talented musician. Eric joined the band in the sixth grade, and soon learned to play several instruments. During his junior and senior years, Eric became mentor for younger students. He was a participant with the Jazz Band, Marching Band, and Wind Ensemble. Eric scored exceptionally high in state competitions and as a senior, and was invited to march with the University of Michigan and Western Michigan bands, and toured Europe as a member of "Sound of America" group. At Jefferson he played a senior solo and received a musician award for his exceptional performances. Eric had served with the ROTC program, enjoyed auto shop for three years, and was a math, computer, and electronics whiz. At the age of only nine, Eric obtained his amateur HAM radio operator license setting a local record. Eric was a 2013 graduate of Jefferson High School, and was looking forward to attending Siena Heights University in the fall on scholarship. Erie Robert Dean age 17 of Newport passed away at home on Friday, June 28, 2013. To cherish his memory Eric leaves his loving parents: Rob and Jackie of Newport; a brother: Jason of Newport; maternal grandparents: John and Rita Fleming of The Villages, Florida; paternal grandfather: Tom "T.K." Konopka of Monroe; paternal aunt: Julie Dean of Monroe; paternal uncle: David (Cindy) Dean of Loveland, Colorado; maternal aunt: Karen Fleming (John Wade) of Skokie, Illinois; two maternal uncles: Don (Chris) Fleming of Scottsdale, Arizona and Steve Fleming of Japan; six cousins: Brandon and Trevor Dean, Christine Fleming and William Wade, and Emerson and Wilson Flemings; and two close friends: Zack Rodey and Travis Crawford. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm, Monday, July 1, 2013 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will be held at 11:00am, Tuesday, July 2, 2013 also at Merkle's with Sister Kate O'Brien chaplain of Mercy Memorial Hospice officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Gabby's Ladder. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.