Dean G. Scalfaro, 87, recently of Grand Junction, passed away November 28, 2023, at Greene County Medical Center in Jefferson. A Celebration of Life is planned for a later date.
Dean was born July 25, 1936, in Olean, NY, the son of Philip “Pat” and Beulah (Hatch) Scalfaro. Dean was influenced by and especially close to his grandfather Dominick “Grandpa Nick” Scalfaro and his grandmother Lena “Grandma Lena” Martin. All preceded him in passing.
He was a 1955 graduate of Otto Eldred High School, Eldred, PA. Dean began working as a welder for Dresser Clark in Olean in 1956. He had a keen interest in utilizing his self-taught mechanical skills and expanding his career with Dresser and after several years was recruited by the service department to become an erecting superintendent, traveling both domestically and the world overseeing the installation of complex reciprocating engine compressors as well as centrifugal compressors and complimentary equipment.
Dean was eventually promoted to lead the Franklin Park, IL, Midwest service office and went on to oversee service operations in Abu Dhabi and Philadelphia for the company. Dean was instrumental in developing the highly successful Contract Maintenance Group and retired from Dresser Rand, a joint venture formed by Dresser Clark and Ingersoll Rand, after 50+ dedicated years of service. Dean instilled his exemplary work ethic in all his children.
An avid NASCAR fan, Dean attended races all over the country with friends and family. He loved traveling and camping and combined both into his retirement years, driving his RV to countless racing events. Dean followed Dale Earnhardt with a passion and became a Dale Jr fan after Dale Sr wrecked and died. The family always knew that NASCAR gear from the #3 and #8 would be welcome Christmas and birthday gifts.
Dean was married for 37 years and preceded in death by his wife Shirley Scalfaro on December 23, 2010. The oldest of five children, he was also preceded in death by his parents and brothers Bruce Scalfaro and Jerry Scalfaro.
Survivors include his sisters Patricia Barton of Rixford, PA, and Robin Fredrick of Duke Center. PA. Surviving Dean from a large blended family are children Debbie Rickard of Pittsburgh, PA, Judy Bailey of Portville, NY, Don Scalfaro (Kathleen) of Batavia, IL, Greg Scalfaro (Sue) of Beaverton, OR, Jeff Scalfaro (Stacy) and Patrick Anderson (Pam) of Lee’s Summit, MO, John Anderson (Rose) of New Smyrna Beach, FL, Amy Bredall of Preston, Nancy Halterman of Dana, Becky Leonard of Perry, and Michael Leonard (Missy) of Sapulpa, OK; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Also surviving is Dean’s close friend and companion Barb Hilts, who is also caretaker to his precious dog Mandy.
Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home and Cremation Care, Jefferson, 515-386-2171.
