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By Rhonda Westfall
A community institution as rock-solid as any brick and mortar structure passed from the visible landscape Jan. 24, with the death of venerable St. Johns' businessman, Al Dean.
Al founded and worked at Dean's Hardware in downtown St. Johns since its establishment in 1945. He was a true pillar of the community, well-known and respected for his integrity and honesty that extended far beyond the confines of the business district.
Pastor Cayle Beagle of the First Congregational Church remarked on Al's sense of duty and responsibility during a moving eulogy, noting that the importance he placed on "doing the right thing" was a quality of leadership that garnered respect - although it may have cost him so-called friends.
Those attributes were demonstrated in Al's 55-year tenure as a member of the St. Johns Rotary Club where he was a living example of Rotary's "Four Way Test:" 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build good will and better friendship? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
"Al's day-to-day life and business dealings exemplified the Four Way Test," says fellow Rotarian, Dr. Henry Burkhardt. "Dealing with him personally, he really lived it."
Charlie Coletta, another long-time Rotarian, agrees.
"Al was 'Mr. Rotary' for many of us," Coletta says. "He loved Rotary and was very dedicated to it and the principles it represents."
Along with his lengthy active involvement with Rotary, Al was past chairman of the Clinton County Republican Committee, the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, Board of Trustees at Clinton Memorial Hospital, and member of the St. Johns Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the First Congregational Church, and, as an avid supporter of athletics, was a 50-year member of the Clinton County Country Club.
Al is survived by his son, Barry (Ricki) Dean; daughter, Barbara (Edward) Coletta; four grandchildren, and numerous other relatives.
A complete obituary and personal perspective on "Mr. Rotary" are found elsewhere in the Indy.
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