ROCKPORT — Robert Leroy Dean, 88, of Rockport, died Aug. 11, 2014, at Pen Bay Medical Center. Born in Rockport on Jan. 10, 1926, he was the son of Clarence L. and Carrie Evelyn Manning Deane.

A 1944 graduate of Rockport High School, he served in the Army Air Corps during World War II.

After military service, he began a long career in woodworking and carpentry, working first as a boat builder at Goudy & Stevens shipyard in East Boothbay. He returned to Rockport, where he worked as a carpenter for Earle Tolman, and then started his own business as a building contractor. He specialized in commercial and residential renovations as well as custom built new homes. Through his advice and work on repairs and renovations at the homes of longtime Rockport clients, his duties as a carpenter evolved into a relationship where he served as their trusted property manager and friend; a role that he truly valued and cherished.

Robert possessed a dedicated love for his hometown, where he contributed his skills and expertise to the construction of numerous Rockport buildings, including several additions to the Rockport Public Library. He also served on the Rockport Building Committee as well as the Rockport Harbor Committee.

He particularly enjoyed fishing and boating, hobbies that were only superseded by his love of flying. He obtained his private pilot's license and found great pleasure in piloting his own aircraft.

Surviving is his wife, Madelyn Dean of Rockland; two sons, Scott L. Dean and his wife, Patricia of Bellingham, Mass., and Lindsey D. Dean and his wife, Pamela, of Chicago, Ill.; two grandchildren, Kathryn Luedtke and her husband, Michael, of Bellingham, Mass., and Greg Dean of San Francisco, Calif.; three great-grandchildren, Owen, Jack and Mira Luedtke; a brother, Richard Deane and his wife, Jeanette, of Lincolnville; a sister, Virginia Thomas of Lincolnville; and several nieces and nephews. His parents and a brother, Raymond Deane, predeceased him.

A funeral service followed by a reception will be held Saturday, Aug. 16 at 10 a.m. at John Street United Methodist Church, 98 John St. in Camden, with the Rev. Peg Moser officiating. Graveside services will be private.

If desired, memorial gifts may be made to the Good Shepherd Food Bank, 3121 Hotel Road, Auburn, ME 04210.

Arrangements are with Long Funeral Home.