Joshua W. Dean

Josh Dean, 44, of York, Maine passed away on Friday, December 11, 2020 at home with his loving family after a courageous battle against gastric cancer. He was born on October 21, 1976 in Leominster, MA and spent his childhood in Gardner, MA and York, ME. He graduated from York High School with the Class of 1995 and later studied graphic arts at the University of Hartford. As a loving husband and father, Josh found great joy and peace exploring the beauty of nature with his wife Ilana and his beautiful daughter Layla. Together the family hiked up mountains, through forests, parks, and waterfalls, and enjoyed the tranquility of sunsets along local beaches and mountaintops. Always the artist, Josh brought along his camera gear wherever he went and took stunning photos of nature in all its finest glory along the way. Josh was a passionate and talented photographer and artist. He loved going on photo excursions solo, or with friends and family in search of unique natural wildlife and landscape scenes. Acadia National Park was one of his favorite adventure destinations where he shot exceptional photos of everything from dramatic ocean views, the sunrise from the top of Mount Cadillac, to secretive owls along the night time trails. His photography was recently included in the book York Beach through the Eyes of a Child by Jody and Owen Clark and has also been featured in several other publications and on a couple of album covers for a couple of different musicians. Josh also brought his artistry into his professional career as a master tile setter where he took great pride in owning his own business for over twenty years, sharing his talent by creating beautiful tile works for clients throughout the state of Massachusetts and the Seacoast region. In addition to his love for spending time with his family and taking photos, Josh enjoyed great food and great conversations. He was a real foodie who appreciated trying out new restaurants and interesting meals, especially sushi. Friends and acquaintances alike often remarked on his special ability to create a quick and easy connection with anyone he met. Whether you were a family member, a friend, a client, or some random person he met out and about, he left everyone with a piece of him. He was smart, talented, and loved by all who knew him. Josh is survived by his wife Ilana and daughter Layla of Cape Neddick, ME, mother Jayne Brideau of Leominster, MA, father Jeffrey Dean and stepmother Jean Dean of Fitchburg, MA, brother Jonathon Dean of Hubbardston MA, half-brothers Max Dean and Sam Dean of Fitchburg, MA, and half-sister Haley Dean of Malden, MA. Josh is also survived by his aunt Carol and uncle Paul Salacain of York, ME with whom he was very close, and many other wonderful aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Josh’s family extends their sincere appreciation to the caregivers at the New England Cancer Center in Kennebunk, ME who helped out during Josh’s challenging cancer treatments, and the many relatives, friends and community members whom have also reached out and helped during these difficult times. A Celebration of Josh’s life will be held when the pandemic allows during 2021. Lucas & Eaton Funeral Home, York, Maine is assisting with arrangements. Visit www.lucaseatonfuneralhome.com

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