Oro Valley, AZ- Dean Joseph Sullivan, passed away on Monday, July 3, 2023 in Oro Valley, Arizona. Dean was born on November 7, 1989, in Holyoke, Massachusetts, the cherished only child of David and Ann Marie (Michaud) Sullivan.

Dean spent the first three years of his life in Westfield, Massachusetts until the family moved to Woodbury, Connecticut due to a career relocation. He loved the small-town atmosphere of Woodbury, the rolling hills, tall trees, and countryside. He always considered himself a "country" boy. Dean attended local schools and was a member of Boy Scouts Den 11, Pack 54. He was a thoughtful, curious boy who loved his family, animals, birthday, and holiday celebrations. Dean enjoyed reading, traveling, and learning new things. Always a good student, he enjoyed school and excelled academically.

Another career relocation led the family to Oro Valley, Arizona in 2007. Although Dean loved desert life, he often became bored with the abundant sunshine and missed the weather and seasonal changes of New England. He graduated from the Amphitheater Unified School District and studied Business Administration at the University of Arizona. Shortly after moving to Arizona, Dean was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma in 2008. Through grueling treatments and surgeries, Dean's bravery never wavered. He maintained a positive attitude and infectious smile throughout the whole journey. Dean and his family will always credit MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas with saving his life.

In addition to his parents, Dean leaves behind to grieve his loss, his aunts and uncles Nancy(Bill) Moskalski, Ron (Alisa Lebovitz) Michaud, several cousins, friends and the family pets, Darby and Droopy. Dean was predeceased by his grandparents, Francis and Mary Sullivan and Joseph and Frances Michaud.

Memorial contributions can be made to Teen Challenge Arizona or to MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at 10:30 am at Munson Lovetere Funeral Home, 2 School St. Woodbury, Connecticut. Family and friends are welcome to visit from 9:30 am until 10:30 am. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Watertown, Connecticut. To leave a message of support for Dean's family, please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.