Dean E. Mead, age 73, of Greenwich, went to heaven Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at Fisher Titus Medical Center, Norwalk after a short illness. He was born November 4, 1935 in Norwalk, son of the late Oscar B. and Bernice (Baker) Mead. Dean had lived in the Greenwich area his entire life. He was a 1955 graduate of Greenwich High School. He proudly served in the U.S. Army in the late 1950's. Dean had farmed all of his working life. He worked for Ruggles, Inc. for many years. He was a member of the Ripley Church, Greenwich. He loved teaching his grandchildren how to drive mowers, tractors and cars. Dean loved his family, farming, his animals, fishing, cutting wood, flying his powered parachute and restoring his Oliver tractor. He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Bonnie D'Ettore Mead; his son, Derek (Beth) Mead of California; 3 granddaughters, Kristi, Katy, Kara Mead; children, Joe (Erin) D'Ettorre, Dino (Deborah) D'Ettorree, Annette D. (Bob) McLaughlin, Victor (Darla) D'Ettorre, Randy (Josephine) Fleming; 18 grandchildren; 2 sisters, Shirley J. Mead of Greenwich, Marcie Vincent of Indiana; his sisters in law, Phyllis Mead and Jane Mead both of Indiana; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lucy Atherton Mead, his brothers, Robert, Dale, Bill Mead and Morris Dove his sister, Doris Dossin. Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 19, 2009 at the Ripley Church, 4130 South Edwards Rd., Greenwich with Pastor David Cobb, Rev. Ernest Robles, and Pastor Bob Hudberg officiating. Eastman Funeral Home, 49 W. Main St., Greenwich are in charge of arrangements.