David A. Dean

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of David A. (Dave) Dean, beloved Dad, devoted partner, proud grand, great and great great grandfather, and cherished friend to many in both New Jersey and The Villages, Florida. He passed away peacefully and surrounded by love at the age of 89 on June 27, 2025.

Dave dedicated his life to teaching, coaching, and mentoring, leaving a legacy that touched countless lives. He believed deeply in the power of education and sports to shape young folks. He spent decades encouraging and influencing youngsters of all ages to become successful individuals and good people, a mission he lived and pursued with passion and purpose.

A gifted athlete from a very young age, Dave excelled at most of his endeavors despite his diminutive size of just 5’0” tall. He played on Long Branch High School's tennis team for 3 years, earning 3 Varsity Letters, Captaining the team his Senior year. What followed was an illustrious college career at NJ State Teachers' College of Trenton (currently known as TCNJ), earning 9 varsity letters in Tennis, Soccer, and Basketball. Upon graduation in 1958, Dave began his teaching and coaching career in Asbury Park, followed by stints in Spring Lake Heights, Pt. Pleasant Boro (while playing semi-pro soccer for 6 years), Red Bank Catholic, Long Branch and ultimately KEAN College.

As a respected coach, Dave was 4-time Coach of the Year at both the high school and collegiate levels in Basketball, Soccer, and Tennis. His ability to inspire, lead, and bring out the best in his players was unmatched. Whether on the court, field, or in the classroom, he led with heart, discipline, and a genuine love for developing others. “Hustle” was his favorite phrase regardless of the situation.

Although school may been out for Summers, there was never an “off season. Dave filled the weeks playing highly competitive tennis around the Shore area, including a very successful Doubles partnership with his then young Son, Tod. Additionally, he was the Teaching Tennis Pro at Bay Head Yacht Club, Toms River Country Club and Navesink Country Club and served as Director of both Soccer and Basketball camps in the Poconos and around the Shore area.

In his later years, Dave continued to compete with great determination, earning an astounding 68 Senior Games Gold and Silver Medals in Tennis, Pickleball, Basketball, Table Tennis, and Shuffleboard. His athleticism and drive remained strong throughout his life, reflecting the same spirit he instilled in those he coached.

As a proud Lifetime Member of the Point Pleasant, NJ Elks Lodge #1698, Dave believed in service, community, and camaraderie. He formed lifelong friendships across New Jersey and Florida and will be remembered for his warm smile, generous heart, and unwavering encouragement, especially on the shuffleboard courts of both The Villages and the Leesburg Shuffleboard Club.

Dave will be deeply missed by his family, friends, former students and athletes, and all those fortunate enough to have known him. His legacy of kindness, perseverance, and mentorship will live on in the lives he so profoundly touched. Know how much he loved you all.

Dave is survived by his longtime partner Yvonne Alberg, The Villages, FL, his Son Tod Dean and Wife Ruth, Clayton, NC, Daughter Susan Capozzoli and Husband Richard, Pequannock, NJ, Stepdaughter Shannon Bays, Lawrenceville, GA, 8 Grandchildren, 12 Great Grandchildren & 3 Great Great grandchildren.

A celebration of Dave's life will be held at a future time. However, friends and loved ones are invited to share stories, memories, and honor a life well lived via the online Memorial Link.

Dave may be gone from our sight, but never from our hearts – may he now rest in God’s Eternal Peace and Love.