Dean was an avid hunter and fisherman. He spent countless hours working for and donating to local outdoor preservation groups, community projects and youth programs. He was a longtime sponsor of the John Bower Basketball League and the West End Babe Ruth Baseball League. He was a board member of the Williamsport YMCA for years and managed the project building of the Pickelner Arena at the YMCA.
Dean was a member of the former Antlers Club in Williamsport, Pa. and the Wheel Inn in Ralston, Pa. He was a past officer and President of the Newberry Lions Club. Along with being a published author for Safari Magazine, he was a member of the Wild Sheep Federation, and the Boone and Crockett club. He has several record trophies on record.