Stephen J. Dean, born June 15, 1971, passed peacefully on December 25, 2025, surrounded by love, at a place that was very special to him on Catherine Avenue in Ellsworth, Maine. Stephen was devotedly cared for by his cousin Jody, her husband Captain Dave, and a cherished friend from Lewiston, Maine.
Stephen lived a life rich with purpose, joy, and connection. He had a charismatic personality, an infectious smile, and a genuine love for life that touched countless people throughout his journey. Wherever Stephen went, he made friends easily and left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Attending Pine Tree camp every summer was one of his favorite activities.
Stephen had a deep love for the Lord and faithfully attended church with his family and many friends. His faith was an important part of his life and guided the kindness, gratitude, and joy he shared with others.
Throughout his life, Stephen volunteered with numerous fire departments across the state of Maine, forming strong bonds with firefighters and first responders in many communities. He took great pride in his volunteer work and was deeply respected and loved by those he served alongside. The fire stations were not just places he volunteered — they were places where he found friendship, belonging, and purpose.
Stephen also found great joy in participating in Special Olympics, where he proudly competed in bocce ball, track walking, and swimming. Through his dedication and enthusiasm, he earned a variety of medals and awards, celebrating not only his athletic ability but also his determination and sportsmanship. He especially loved swimming and the sense of freedom it gave him.
Music was another great passion in Stephen's life. He loved southern gospel and bluegrass music and found immense happiness listening to and sharing it with others. One of his most cherished experiences was having the opportunity to be part of a bluegrass band performance — a moment that perfectly reflected his love of music, community, and joy-filled living.
A social soul, Stephen also loved attending dances and music events, where his joy was unmistakable. One of his favorite memories was having the chance to try on a DJ's hat — an experience that captured his playful spirit and love for fun.
Stephen spent his early years living with his mother in Augusta and Palermo, Maine, as well as, South Carolina. He later graduated high school and earned his diploma from a special education school in Charlotte, South Carolina. As a teen and young adult, he lived with his mother and stepfather in several towns throughout Maine.
He participated in and was supported by many meaningful programs throughout the state, including Families Matter Day Program in Augusta, LEAP in Farmington, Momentum programs in Casco, Norway, and Cherryfield, and Coastal Community Care (CCC) in Lewiston. Through these communities, Stephen built lasting friendships and continued to thrive.
Stephen was preceded in death by his birth mother Leta Lorraine Wheeler, stepfather Alton Warren of Augusta, Maine, birth father Stephen J. Dean Sr., of New Hampshire; and grandparents, Everard S. Andrews Jr., and Rosalie M. Wheeler-Andrews of West Gardiner, Maine
He is survived by his primary legal guardian, Dixie Morang, who was his devoted aunt in addition to numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved him dearly and will forever carry his memory in their hearts.
Stephen's life was a testament to joy, service, faith, music, and connection. He showed the world how to live fully, love deeply, and greet each day with gratitude and enthusiasm. His legacy will live on in the many lives he touched and the countless smiles he brought to others.
A celebration of Stephen's life will be held on his Birthday June 15, 2026 at Faith Christian Church located at 280 Brunswick Ave, Gardiner, Maine.