Obituary of Dean Dellaventura

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Dean Dellaventura on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. Dean's charisma, unforgettable smile, and the twinkle in his eye will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Dean was the beloved son of the late Carol Dellaventura and Daniel Dellaventura, father of Dominick Dellaventura, cherished brother of Danny Dellaventura, bro-in- law to Michele Collorec DellaVentura, loving boyfriend of Tricia Reilly, and dear uncle to Annalise and Daniel Alan Dellaventura and ex-husband to Shari Hanson. He was also a cousin and friend to many whose lives he touched with his loyalty.

Dean grew up in Westerleigh, Staten Island, where he attended P.S. 30 and Port Richmond High School. A black belt in karate, Dean had a passion for sports, especially as a dedicated fan of the NY Yankees and NY Giants. He spent most of his life in Staten Island, where he began his culinary career working with his brother and mother at their family business, Friendly Deli, on Forest Ave.

Dean also lived in Millbury, Massachusetts, Oswego, NY, and most recently in Toms River, NJ. An animal lover, he often had a cat, bird, or pup keeping him company. Dean made friends wherever he went and worked in various roles, including owning his own restaurant, Scales, in Massachusetts. He lived there with his ex-wife, Shari, and her children, Colin, Matt and Emma for 14 years. Together, they built a life and a business, making a few TV appearances, including one on a cooking reality show called The Chopping Block. Dean was immensely proud of his profession as a chef.

Dean was fiercely loyal to his family and friends, would have your back in an instant if you needed him. Dean often recognized small moments of joy and reminded us we just have to notice. He often shared his positive mantra, "Pay Attention People, Life Doesn't Suck," a testament to his outlook on life which makes his passing especially heartbreaking and while we are beginning to understand that some sicknesses cannot be cured by love alone, we ask that people focus on celebrating his life and being kind to one another.

In the end, Dean selflessly gave the gift of life through organ and tissue donation, honoring his generous wish and helping many people in need in the end.

Dean touched many lives, and his absence leaves a profound void. He was loved deeply and will be missed by many but is now at peace.

Visitation at the Matthew Funeral Home, Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Tuesday, from 3:00 to 7:00 pm. Arrangements include private cremation.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Dean's "Life Does Not Suck" Memorial Fund.

https://supporting.afsp.org/campaign/Dean-Dellaventura--Life-Does-Not-Suck--Memorial-Fund