PALERMO – Dean Alan Willoughby, 80, passed away Sept. 24, 2022, at the Alfond Center for Health with his loving family by his side.

Dean was born Nov. 12, 1941, the son of Freelan (Peanut) and Edna (Gatchell) Willoughby. He grew up on his family’s dairy farm in Palermo, along with his sister Beverly, and was later joined by their sister Vanessa. He graduated from Erskine Academy in the class of 1960, having been involved with both basketball and baseball while also fulfilling farm responsibilities at home. On March 27, 1964, he married Ann Roach and the two settled in North Palermo where they built their forever home, raising their two daughters, Deann and Emily.

A familiar face in town, Dean was a member of the Palermo Volunteer Fire Department for 60 years, serving as Fire Chief for 31 years and as the town Fire Warden until his passing. He authorized fire permits from his own kitchen and was known for his hospitality toward the many town residents that came through his door. Dean also worked in construction and was a dedicated employee of Lee Brothers’ Construction for over 45 years. He also served in leadership roles with the Waldo County Fire Fighters’ Association, Sheepscot Lake Fish and Game, and the Palermo Snowmobile Club, and he was a founding member of the Palermo Youth Association.

Dean enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and going to hunting camp in Northern Maine. He loved sharing stories, and he could go on and on about his construction adventures, plowing snow, men’s league softball, Moon Eyes stock car racing, and good times with great friends. For many years, you could find him and other community gentlemen at their regular meetings of the “Liar’s Club” at the China Dine-ah.

He is survived by his dear wife of 58 years, Ann Willoughby; his daughters, Deann Porter and her husband Shawn of Palermo; Emily Snyder and her husband Greg of Syracuse, N.Y.; grandchildren, Kaylee Porter, Kaden Porter, Maya Snyder, and Conor Snyder; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He had a special relationship with his nephew Dusty Haskell and his niece Dawn Haskell.

Dean was predeceased by his parents and his sisters, Beverly Haskell and Vanessa Mehuren.

A private graveside service will be held at Perkins Cemetery in North Palermo. A public Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, Oct. 9, at the Palermo Christian Church, 322 Branch Mills Rd., Palermo, beginning at 2 p.m. All are welcome to attend. Arrangements are in the care of Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04363. Condolences, stories, and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dean’s name may be made to: Palermo Fire Department, Attn: Roger Komandt, 45 North Palermo Rd., Palermo, ME 04353

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