Dean had resided most of his life in the Friendship area. He was a graduate of Friendship Central School, class of 1985. Shortly following graduation, he enlisted in the Navy, where he served aboard the USS Stark as a Boatman's Mate from 1985 to 1990. He saw action in Mediterranean Sea area. Following his time in the Navy, Dean was employed at Lifeline Co. in Boston, MA for about 2 years. Following that he worked at Adelphia Co. in PA. System Maintenance Services in Rochester was the next place he work for a few years. Kriterium Co. in Rochester was where Dean was employed at the present time. There he repaired and serviced computers.

Dean enjoyed computers, reading, movies, hunting, fishing and traveling. His number one love was his family and spending time with them.

Surviving besides his wife Lisa are his father, Francis J. Murphy of Friendship; a son, Austin D. Murphy of Friendship; a daughter, Ashley M. (David) Adams of Belfast; two grandchildren, Sophie Marie Adams and Dennis Allen Adams of Belfast; four brothers, Kevin F. (Diane) Murphy of Framington, MA, Robin J. Murphy of Bolivar, John P. (Jessie) Murphy of Wellsville, and Duane Urbanik of Wellsville; a sister, Vickie (Boomer) Mandigo of Governor, NY; and several nieces and nephews.

Dean was predeceased by his mother.