Dean Sterling

NORTH CANTON - Dean Edgar Sterling, 90, passed away unexpectedly December 7, 2014. Mr. Sterling was born in Cuyahoga Falls September 18, 1924 to the late Hazel and Hilbert Sterling.
Dean was preceded in death by his brother, Dale, and wives Carolyn (White) and Nancy (Ragsdale), and is survived by his brother, Robert Sterling of Gainesville, FL and sister, Nancy Karlsberger of Mountainaier, NM; daughters, Lyn (Robert) Capes of Cuyahoga Falls and Daun Sigler of Sarasota FL; son-in-law, Dr. William Sigler of Akron; grandchildren, Emily Capes Robbins (John) of Nashville, TN, Molly Sigler of Sarasota, FL, Julia Capes Neal (Paul) of Akron, Erin Daza Sigler (Johan) of Memphis TN, and Ana Lyn Sigler, Peace Corps in Togo, Africa; great-grandchildren, Noah, Dylan, Alana, Grace and Elias; nephew, Michael (Becky) Sterling of Cuyahoga Falls; nieces, Sue (Richard) Eley of Cuyahoga Falls, and Lisa (Robert) Higgs of Cleveland Hts.; numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Dean graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School in 1943. He followed his older brothers, Bob and Dale by enlisting in the U. S. Army in World War II. His dream of flying B-25 bombers was dashed when his pilot training class was cancelled and "all he got" was a rifle. He received the Order of the Purple Heart for wounds received during the Battle of the Bulge, and was discharged from the army in 1946.

After over twenty years in light industry management, having a life-long expertise in computers, Dean served as Cuyahoga Falls Service Director beginning in January 1970, and served for four years. He then worked for the County of Summit, as the City of Stow Service Director from 1976 to 1978, as Director of Administration of North Canton until 1982, and later in municipal service positions in Montgomery and Miami Township, Ohio areas until his retirement.

Dean loved his ten years as the "One-More-Time" voice of the Falls High Tiger Band from 1972 to 1982, and ten years as the voice of the Falls Alumni Band from 1994 to 2004. He was honored by the alumni band with its 2013 Pride Award for his rich voice and long service to the Falls band program.

Dean was a life-long member of First United Methodist Church of Cuyahoga Falls, where he sang in the choir with a strong baritone voice, taught Sunday school, served as a youth counselor, and chaperoned the youth choir on endless choir trips, often driving the church bus.

More than the American military and his church, Dean dearly loved his family of two daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was an excellent cabinet maker, gourmet turkey-smoker, avid family photographer, dog lover and expert on Lincoln and the Civil War.

"Papa Dean" enjoyed and embraced staying in contact with family members through holiday get-togethers, family reunions, and all social media. He often said that he used is "celluleete" phone to access "my-face" and "space-book".

Cremation has taken place. A private military service is planned at Oakwood Cemetery. An open Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 7, 2015 at 11:00 am at First United Methodist Church, 245 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221, Rev. Dr. David Baker officiating. Calling hours are 9:30-11:00 in the church parlor prior to service. In lieu of other remembrances, memorials may be made to the Music Fund, First United Methodist Church, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Services entrusted to Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 330-928-2147.

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