Morris "Mort" O. Dean's Obituary
Morris O. Dean “Mort” passed away on August 9th, 2023.
He was born on August 25th, 1954, to the late Ray and Lenice (nee Willingham) Dean Sr. in Cleveland, Ohio.
Mort attended North Royalton High School, graduating in the class of 1972. Following his graduation, he made the courageous decision to join the United States Navy. After serving in the Navy, he moved to New Orleans where he met his partner of 25 years, Jay Singerman. Mort and Jay owned several businesses, ran a bed and breakfast and were active members of the Gay Men’s Choir. Mort lived his love for art, museums and culture during his tenure working at the Contemporary Arts Center, where he met many lifelong friends.
After his beloved Jay Singerman passed away on July 7th, 2002, Mort moved back to the Cleveland area where he proudly received his certification from Remington College for Medical Billing and Coding. He then worked a short time in the field before returning to his creative culinary roots as a baker for Giant Eagle. He retired in 2019.
Mort was adored by his furry friends including multiple cats and two rescued dogs, first Maggie, then Addie. He enjoyed traveling throughout his life with Jay, friends, and his family. Mort was active in the “Splash” senior aerobics class, and “The Breakfast Club” which unofficially met every Wednesday. In his free time, you could find him binge watching his favorite shows “I Love Lucy” and “The Simpsons.”
He is survived by his siblings Ray (Linda- deceased) Dean, and Mark (Becky) Dean; sister-in-law N’ann (Jan) Glade; nieces and nephews Crystal (Ryan) Speidel, Melissa (Lyle) Darroch, Scott Toney, Mark Dean Jr., Michelle (Aaron) Michelman, Darryl (Leah) Glade, Marshall (Amy) Glade, and Jeffrey (Zoe) Glade; many great nieces and nephews; and his dear friend who was like a sister, Gail Hill.
Mort was preceded in death by his parents; partner Jay Singerman; sister Reva Toth and niece Stacey Dean.
VISITATION will be held on FRIDAY, August 11th from 3pm – 7pm at JARDINE FUNERAL HOME, 15822 Pearl Road, Strongsville. A FUNERAL SERVICE will be held on SATURDAY, August 12th at 11am, also at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Brooklyn Heights Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Friendship APL of Lorain County
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