Dean Temple

Dean H. Temple, 95, of Fredonia, passed on Monday, September 30, 2019, at the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, in Dunkirk, NY. He was the son of the late Dean Healey Temple and Grace Pittman Temple.He was born in Hunting-ton, WV, but grew up, and enjoyed many brave and daring childhood adventures in Elmira, NY. He graduated from Poughkeepsie High School, and volunteered for the Red Cross, before being accepted into the United States Office of Scientific Research and

Development, at Harvard University, where he worked from 1942-1945, helping develop radar jamming devices to help in the war effort.After the war, he worked

briefly for Whitman Publishing Company, making comic books, before entering college. He met his future wife, Margaret, at Ohio Wesleyan University, where he cooked for his fraternity to pay for his education, and in May ’50, earned a degree in Psychology. He and Margaret married a few months later, and embarked on a 67 year life-time of adventure together.Dean worked with youth programming for the YMCA, first in Pittsfield, MA, then Baltimore, MD and Elizabeth, NJ before relocating with his family to Fredonia in 1958. He was appointed the Executive Secretary of the “Y” shortly thereafter, and oversaw and directed many programs for young people, including Hi-Y, Tri-Hi-Y, Indian Guides, YMCA Day Camp at Camp Gross, and YMCA Camp in the Woods, on Bear Lake. He had a real gift for connecting with people, young and older alike, and it was obvious in the affection and respect they had for him. He was happiest enjoying God’s handiwork, whether it was a walk in the woods, or puttering in his garden, and spending time with friends and family. He was an ex-pert at making a baby smile, wiping tears, solving a problem, big or small, and was strong and courageous in his quiet, humble way. Dean embarked on a second career in 1975, working first at the NY State Employment Office, then for the Chautauqua County Health Department, a job he enjoyed, with great co-workers, and the opportunity to put his problem solving skills to work.He was a longtime member of the Rotary Club, Lion’s Club, several professional organizations, and the Fredonia First United Methodist Church, where he served on the Staff/ Parish Committee and the Buildings and Grounds Team, and was a member of the Men’s Group. He could be counted on to pitch in when help was needed, and was very comfortable sharing a prayer or a bit of wisdom. He faithfully delivered lunch for Meals on Wheels, rain or shine, enjoying each stop along the way, until he was 91 years young. Dean is survived by his daughter, Cheryl T. (Richard) Saville, of Ber-gen, NY, son, Todd L. (Diane) Temple, of Tonawanda, NY, daughter, Kimberley A. (James R. Jr.) Briggs, of Dunkirk, NY, and grandchildren, James R. Briggs III (Jenny Berggren), of Alameda, CA, Matthew S. (Brenda) Briggs, of Reston, VA, Erin (Jeremy) Martz, of Rochester, NY, Brian (Kaleigh) Saville, also of Rochester, Jeffrey Fuller, of Philadelphia, PA, and Joshua, Tim and Rachel Temple, all of Tonawanda, NY. Four great grandchildren, Annea Rose Berggren-Briggs, Sonja Violet Berggren-Briggs, Ada Marie Briggs, and Samuel Dean also survive, and will be joined by Brian and Kaleigh’s soon to arrive son, Josiah Dean, an addition Dean was very excited to welcome into the fold.In addition to his parents, and his wife, Dean was predeceased by his daughter, Marcia L. Fuller, his son-in-law, Stephen L. Fuller, his sister, Jean Temple Martin, brother, Dr. Richard R. Temple, and an infant grandson, Phillip Temple.His family is very appreciative of the nurses and staff at both Buffalo General/Gates and at the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Everyone took such great care of him, worked hard to help him get better, and genuinely cared about him. A special thank you to Pastor Nettie Puleff, Rev. Richard and Carole Rickard from FUMC Fredonia, and all those who visited and/or sent cards and prayers Dean’s way. There will be a memorial

service to celebrate his life on Sunday, October 13, 2019 at 11:30 A.M., at the Fredonia First United Methodist Church, 25 Church St. Fredonia, NY. All are invited to a luncheon at the Community Room at the church following the service.Flowers are gratefully declined. Those wishing to do so, may donate to The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation – Margaret and Dean Temple Fund, or to the First United Methodist Church of Fredonia, 25 Church St. Fredonia, NY 14063. On-line

condolences may be made at larsontimkofuneralhome.com. Arrangements by David J. Dengler, LARSON-TIMKO Funeral