Dean Whaley

February 13, 1959 - January 27, 2020

Dean Parker Whaley, age 60, passed away on January 27, 2020. Dean was born in Seaford Delaware on February 13, 1959 and is the son of the late Carlton Branchy and Charlotte Ann (Parker) Whaley. Dean is survived by his beloved brothers Gerald “Jerry” Whaley (Leslie Carter), William Whaley (Marty), and Monte Whaley (Deborah) all of Laurel; nieces Robyn Whaley McEwen (Sam) of Leesville, SC, Monet Ann Smith (Shawn) of Laurel, and Hanna Marie Whaley of Allentown, PA; great-nephews Brett Wilkes McEwen, Parker Alan Smith, and Dalton Monte Smith; and great-niece Ashlyn Taylor McEwen; as well as many more loving family and friends including Hilary Wright and Shane Sisk of Laurel. Dean graduated from Laurel High School in 1977 and upon graduation he went to work for Acme Markets where he was employed for almost ten years before starting his own construction business. Dean’s work will always be admired throughout our community with the many beautiful custom homes he built, metal pole buildings, additions, renovations, decks and much more. Dean was a talented craftsman and he could build anything. Over the years when Dean wasn’t working he loved riding motorcycles, playing the drums, fishing in the Outer Banks or off the coast of Ocean City with his brothers and friends, and going to church. Dean was also an avid animal lover and was often known to rescue stray animals that he found, giving them a safe and loving home. His most iconic sidekick was his three-legged pup, Phyllis. More than anything, Dean loved and admired his family and friends. He had a sincere and genuine heart and nothing made him happier than helping other people. Dean was always putting others before himself, constantly stopping by to check in or drop off a meal, the sweetest watermelon, something he had made, or just a note. He would call simply to say I love ya. On a recent Christmas Eve, when everyone thought he was running late, Dean was actually making his rounds surprising everyone as Santa Clause and he handed out magic keys so everyone would always have the key to his heart. Dean’s infectious smile will be missed by everyone who knew him. All services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Dean Whaley’s memory to Whimsical Animal Rescue/Sussex County Animal Rescue (501c3) to help save rescued animals in our area. Checks may be mailed to SCAA, P.O. Box 1697, Seaford, DE 19973. Arrangements are in the care of Hannigan Short Disharoon Funeral Home.