WORCESTER-Ralph W. Dean, 74, of Paradox Drive, former owner of Dean Florists, Inc for 30 years died Friday, August 18th in the Christopher House after an illness. He leaves his wife of 42 years, Beverly (Mirakian) Dean; a brother, Sidney I. Dean III of Worcester, two sisters, B. Annabelle Dostoler of Worcester and Linda G. Bergeron of Georgia; a brother-in-law, Gerald Kheboian of Worcester; a sister-in-law, Lucy Kheboian of Whitinsville, and many nieces and nephews. A brother, Spencer A. Dean predeceased him.
He was born in Hopkinton, RI, the son of Sidney I. and Viola (Howland) Dean. Mr. Dean served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He graduated from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts majoring in Floriculture. Ralph had worked for 15 years at Coopers Flowers in Worcester, and left as manager to manage Schmidt Florists in Williamsburg, Virginia for several years. He worked with the Williamsburg Restoration on many occasions. Mr. Dean was an award winning florist and floral lecturer, demonstrator, and designer. He was a display artist and floral designer for Bay State Wholesale Florists headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. Mr. Dean was also a freelance floral designer in the Worcester area and was a very enthusiastic gardener. He was a Master Florist and was a volunteer and member of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society of Boston, the Tower Hill Botanical Gardens and many florist organizations. Ralph was a Charter member and first Worcesterite to be baptized at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He lived his life as an individualist – never restraining from words on his mind and tip of tongue, laughter within his heart, song at his piano, and freedom to follow his own path.
A Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 22nd at 5:00 PM in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 67 Chester Street. Burial will be in Rural Cemetery, Rutland at a later date. Because of Ralph’s life-long love of flowers, FLOWERS would be appreciated. O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue is directing arrangements.