Joseph Dean Paolucci - known to family and friends as Dean - passed away on September 4, 2023 at the age of 68. Born in Passaic to Joseph Louis Paolucci and Joan Sammarco Paolucci, he was a lifelong resident of Clifton, New Jersey.

A proud alumnus of Montclair Academy, class of 1973, Dean remained a loyal and engaged member of the community, serving for many years as president of the alumni association and trustee. He most recently co-chaired his 50th high school reunion, bringing together nearly all of his living classmates to raise a record sum for the school. After Montclair Academy, Dean went on to graduate from Ithaca College, where he was a member of the football and lacrosse teams and held the title of back to back disco dance champion of Ithaca, NY. Following graduation in 1977, he began his career as a sales professional.

An avid golfer, his passion for the game began as a young boy and continued into his final days. Many happy years were spent at Glen Ridge Country Club, where he served as President, Chairman of the Greens Committee overseeing the renovation of the course, and chair of the annual Allison Dodd member-guest - an event he looked forward to playing in every year. He felt lucky to play some of his favorite golf courses many times throughout his life, including Pine Valley, Baltusrol and Sleepy Hollow.

A man of quiet faith, Dean loyally served the Saint Cassian community as a Eucharistic Minister and usher every Saturday at the 5:30pm mass.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 36 years, Patricia Dunn Paolucci, and their children Dana Dunn Paolucci and Joseph Dean Paolucci Jr., who also attended the Montclair Kimberley Academy, and were his pride and joy. Dean was an incredible father to his children and extended his boundless love to their circle of friends. He never missed a performance, game or recital. He happily spent hundreds of hours on the road as a voluntary chauffeur to his kids and their friends - Dean always showed up and ensured everyone got where they needed to be safely.

Dean lived a short but happy life, touching many people along the way with his ebullient personality and genuine care for all who knew him. As one of his close friends put it, "his loyalty was unmatched, his sense of humor was epic, and he made everyone he met feel special."

Dean will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and beloved Labrador retriever, Ferris.

Visitation will be held at Shook Funeral Home in Clifton from 11am - 1pm on Friday, September 8, followed by a mass of Christian Burial at 2pm at Saint Cassian Roman Catholic Church in Upper Montclair. There will be a private interment with his wife and children.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory to Saint Peter's Orphanage in Denville, where Dean volunteered for many years, and the Montclair Kimberley Academy in Montclair.