Robert Daniel Dean

June 15, 1932 - April 13, 2015

06/15/1932 - 04/13/2015

Virginia Beach – Robert Daniel Dean, 82, passed away April 13, 2015. He was born on June 15, 1932 in Norfolk to the late Jesse James Dean and the late Lola Winstead Hitt. Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Griffin Dean.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Vivvian Dean Smith and Virginia Dean Caudill and husband Phillip; grandsons, Corey Daniel Smith and his wife, Julie, and Nathaniel Edward Smith and his fiancé, Jacqueline Branson.

Robert spent 35 years with Piedmont Airlines, starting as a steward and retiring as a Captain, flying 767’s. He was a member of the American Pilots’ Association and a member of QB Quite Bird. He captained his own charter boats locally and in the Florida Keys. He was a subscriber of the Virginia Stage Company for 35 years. He and his wife of 60 years, Lillian, enjoyed ballroom dancing. If he wasn’t flying, he was fishing.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday at 11am in Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5792 Greenwich Rd, Va. Beach, with Pastor Lee Seibert officiating. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service. The burial will be held privately in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Condolences may be offered to the family at altmeyer.com

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Brad Taylor
8 years ago

I am very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I flew many trips as Bob’s F/O on the 737 in the early 80’s. I was new to jet aircraft and Bob taught me a lot. I enjoyed flying with him and listening to his many fishing adventures down in the Florida Keys. On a few occasions I got to witness his skills on the dance floor. My wife Shelley and I are very sorry for your loss. May Bob rest in peace.

Keeling Buster McLin
8 years ago

I flew co-pilot for Bob back in 1982…Clear skies and tailwinds my friend

Mark Minor
8 years ago

I flew many, many trips with Bob on the 737. He always treated me, and my future F/A wife with respect and friendliness. Sometimes, flying with Bob could be a “challenge”, but indeed I learned a great deal from him, considering it was my very first jet job and I didn’t know anything about flying jets. Absolutely nothing. He was very tolerant of my many mistakes. I will always have fond memories of Bob and our many trips together when I was just a new-hire pilot who knew nothing, about nothing. Bob taught me.

Mark Minor

Capt. Richard E. Smith, retired
8 years ago

I flew with Bob out of Norfolk, and always had a great time. We enjoyed staying at the same condo in the Keys and having dinner with Bob and his lovely wife. He had a special type of humor, which we all enjoyed. Our prayers to the family. Lynn and Richard Smith

Capt. Harry O'Connor
8 years ago

I’ve known Bob for many years during our careers with Piedmont Airlines. He was a good man who cared for others. I have fond memories of his fishing stories. My prayers are with Bob’s family in this time of grief. May you find comfort and peace during this difficult time.

Carol Dobyns Fair
8 years ago

Knew and flew with Captain Dean, another Piedmont member gone but not forgotten! Piedmont Stewardess Carol Dobyns Fair

Cathy Thomas Vins
8 years ago

Vivian and Ginny, My brother, David, forwarded this to me. Maybe you remember that I used to live across the street from your folks and would babysit you! My thoughts and prayers are with you. Over the years, I have often thought of your Mom, Lil, and you two. I was saddened to read that Lil has passed. My Mom is still in a nursing home in Chesapeake. She’s 94. May God give you strength and healing. Love, Cathy