Walter R. Dean Jr.

Walter Raleigh Dean, Jr., born December 12, 1934 at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD, was the first of ten children raised and nurtured by his parents, Walter Raleigh Dean, Sr. and Ruth Annette Alston Dean. His parents preceded him in death. After a lengthy illness and a tremendous fight, Walter transitioned from this world on the afternoon of Friday, September 18, 2015 at the age of 80. Walter spent his early childhood years in East Baltimore. At the age of seven, World War II began, which inspired his interest in building model airplanes. Even after the family moved to Cherry Hill, he would walk to the hobby shop in Brooklyn for airplane parts. Other hobbies and past times of his youth included photography, crabbing, fishing and chess; but his all-time favorite was reading. His siblings remember Walter as a good brother who would tie the bathroom reading books. A Call to Choose (Service) While maintaining his academics, Walter worked part-time at the bowling alley and in various restaurants during the summer. After graduating from Dunbar, Walter entered the United States Air Force in 1954 and was honorably discharged in August 1958. During a tour in Italy, he saw the "real" dangers of poverty, which then motivated him to deepen his observation of the human condition and subsequently became an advocate for social justice. A Call to Chisel (Knowledge) He entered Morgan State College where he earned a Bachelor's degree in English and a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland. For Dean, few things were more important than literacy. He sought knowledge wherever he could find it holding subscriptions to over 30 magazines. He was regularly seen at McDonald's with at least five newspapers discussing issues with his friends. In the true spirit of encouraging literacy, he left his papers for others to read. A Call to Challenge (Culture) Throughout his college career he was actively involved in several organizations and activities. In the early civil rights era, Dean was one of the first four students to be arrested in the ongoing struggle to desegregate businesses. This bold and adamant stance would lead to many others becoming increasingly involved in the Civil Rights Movement in Baltimore City. A Call to Change (Community) His father's legacy of community service and Walter's own college activism days prepared him to serve in the Maryland House of Delegates from 1971 to 1982. In the community where he lived, he developed several programs, including the revitalization of the Howard Park Business District, the creation of the Howard Park Economic Development Corporation and the Howard Park Business Organization. A Call to Charge (Others) At the Community College of Baltimore City (now BCCC), Dean taught a variety of subjects including science, math, urban studies, computer technology and history. After 40 years of service, he was honored to receive the status of Distinguished Professor Emeritus in Sociology with his colleague (the late Harry Smith) - the first in history of the college. He was tireless in his advocacy for his students, faculty and the greater CCBC community. When he retired, he donated most of his personal library to the school enhancing its literacy collection. A Call to Champion (Causes) Walter was a true public servant who cared about the people he was elected or chose to serve. During the course of his life he was an active participant on over 30 organizations - as a member or chairperson. His tenacity for excellence in everything he did earned him the respect and friendship of many. He received numerous awards and accolades of appreciation for his services locally and beyond. A Call to Cherish (Family) Left to celebrate the life and legacy of the Honorable Walter R. Dean, Jr. are his brothers: Paul and Ransom Dean; his sisters: Annette Hart, Patricia Muldrow, Delores Prout, Sonia Wells, Gloria Rolling (Willie), Janice Rice (Levi), Carolyn Holt; one aunt, Yvonne Hardy; one special friend, Henri Daniels; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and family. He was blessed to have numerous friends-some for more than 50 years.

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Walter R. Dean Jr.

December 12, 1934 - September 18, 2015