Alexander "Larry" L. Dean

Alexander (“Larry”) L. Dean, Sr. was born on September 6, 1938, in Oak Park, IL, to Frank and Emmy Lou Dean. He was the first-born child in his family. Larry grew up in McAllen, TX, and graduated from McAllen High School, Class of 1956. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rice University in 1960 and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1961. In his last six weeks at Rice, Larry met his future wife, Linda R. Dean.

Following graduation from Rice, he joined General Electric’s (GE) Manufacturing Management Program, with his first assignment in St. Petersburg, FL.

On July 23, 1961, after a brief courtship, Larry married Linda in Dallas. They started their family in Florida, where their first child, Ema Lou Dean, was born in 1962. After relocating to Schenectady, NY, their second child, Alexander (“Sandy”) L. Dean, was born in 1964. Their third child, James (“Jeff”) Jefferson Dean, was born in 1965. While living in upstate New York, Larry loved boating on Lake George with his family and the beauty of the Adirondack Mountains.

In 1970, after attending night school for several years, Larry earned a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree from Union College.

Larry had a successful 27-year career with GE, primarily in the generator, steam turbine, and consulting divisions. After leaving GE, Larry worked with Oxford Energy, based in Santa Rosa, CA, before eventually transitioning into a new venture. In 1992, he and Linda acquired and ran a small trucking business, K&M Bark & Sawdust, based in Woodland, CA. They operated the business until 2008. This venture brought them to Davis, where they settled into a home that Larry would be able to enjoy for 28 years.

During retirement, he loved helping others, collecting special automobiles, caring for dogs (a passion throughout his life), and traveling. Larry and Linda cherished their life in Davis, hosting their 5 grandchildren in a welcoming small town with an inviting local pool, 4th of July fireworks and a walkable downtown. They also enjoyed outdoor gatherings with their Northstar neighbors. Following the loss of his wife Linda, Larry served on the board of the Davis Cemetery for 12 years, including several years as its chairman.

For much of the last decade, Larry shared a deeply fulfilling and committed relationship with his partner, Annelies Hamilton. They had a unique and joyful connection, often finding humor in the small things in life and delighting in each other’s company. Together, they traveled extensively creating lasting memories. They also spent considerable time with Annelies’s family, forming strong, meaningful connections that enriched both of their lives.

Larry passed away on February 18, 2026, in Davis, at the age of 87, following a battle with sepsis and heart issues. He is survived by his partner, Annelies Hamilton; his brother, Dr. Tom Dean; three children, Ema, Sandy, and Jeff; five grandchildren, Kyle, Ryan, Sarah, Thomas, and Emma; and one great-granddaughter, Ceci. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Linda Dean.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, at Smith Funeral Home, 116 D Street, Davis, CA 95616.

An interment service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, at Davis Cemetery, 820 Pole Line Rd., Davis, CA 95618.

A Celebration of Life service will follow at noon on Saturday, February 28, at Vizcaya, 2019 21st St., Sacramento, CA 95818.

In lieu of flowers if so inclined, we believe our Dad would want you to support The Sacramento Widowed Persons Association of California, Sacramento (WPAC) www.sacwidowed.org

2628 El Camino Avenue, Suite D-18; Sacramento, CA 95821 - TIN 94-3011953

This is a non-profit, non-denominational community service organization dedicated to helping widowed persons with their grief and change in life. This organization was critical in helping our Dad work through the loss of our Mom in 2011.