William M. Dean, 92

MOULTONBOROUGH — William M. Dean, a life-long aviator, died on October 3 at his home in Moultonborough, N.H., with his five children by his side. He was 92.

Born in Sheffield, Mass., he was raised and educated on the Berkshire School campus where his father was a French professor. The Berkshire School remained a source of pride and self-identity throughout his life. He also attended school two years at St. John the Divine in New York City where he was a choir boy. He graduated from high school in Gloucester, MA. Mr. Dean attended Wentworth Technical Institute but withdrew early to enlist in the Army Air Corps during WWII where he served as a pilot in command of a B-17 Bomber crew. A 1st LT in the Eighth Air Force, he flew 35 missions as a member of the 398th Bomb Group against Nazi Germany. Following the war he began a career as an airline pilot for TWA, residing in Winchester, Mass., where he married and raised a family. Upon retirement as a TWA Captain, he established the seasonal Moose River Flying Service in Jackman, Maine, and relocated his home to Moultonborough, N.H. Through his later years he remained a masterful tinkerer, indulged his love of music, enjoyed the companionship of his dogs, work as a flight instructor, attending reunions of the 398th and meetings of the Quiet Birdmen and EAA.

He was the son of the late Frederick S. and Alice (Miller) Dean. He is predeceased by his beloved wife Patricia B. Dean, brother Frederick Dean Jr, and sister Celena Bradlee. He is survived by his sister Nancy Dean Kingman, sons Jonathan and Robert and daughters Nancy, Pamela, and Patricia Jennifer, as well as eleven grandchildren.

His family will remember him as a deeply sensitive and humble man, a charming raconteur who generously shared his extensive knowledge. They will miss his steadfast interest in their lives, sense of humor and unfailing kindness.

A memorial to celebrate his life will be announced at a later date. As he often quoted A.A. Milne, "And so it goes-tiddely-pom."

The Mayhew Funeral Homes and Meredith Bay Crematorium are assisting the family with arrangements. To view Williams on line book of memories; go to www.mayhewfuneralhomes.com