MOUNT VERNON – Anthony Bruce Dean passed into eternity on Dec. 30, 2022, having received the sacrament of Extreme Unction. He was born in Troy, NY, to Earl and Ethel Dean, and grew up in the Glens Falls area of upstate New York, spending idyllic summers on the banks of the Schroon River with his brother, Tom.

He was always called by his middle name. Bruce went to Catholic schools, from kindergarten to college, graduating from the College of the Holy Cross. He spent 5 years on active duty with the US Marine Corps, from which he retired with the rank of Captain.

He received his MA from SUNY at Albany, and his PhD from Temple University, specializing in 20th Century American Literature. He spent two years in Washington, DC, working on his doctoral dissertation in his spare time, while participating in the CIA’s professional training program preparing for his work in its Domestic Service.

Bruce returned to academia in 1970, when he arrived in Maine with his family. He was a professor in the English Department of the University of Maine at Farmington, from 1970 until 2008, when he retired with the rank of Professor Emeritus.

He is survived by his loving wife, Irene; his sons Tom (Sara) and Gregory and his grandchildren Joseph (Ida) and Cecilia; his brother Tom (Janis), nieces Jennifer (Karl) and Laura (Justin); niece Elizabeth, nephews Paul (Carrie), Daniel; nieces Irina (Wolfgang), Klaudia (Michael), nephews Peter (Paulina) and Georg (Graciela); nephews Phelippe (Karen) and Tomas; and other relatives scattered throughout Europe, Brazil and Chile.

The funeral is scheduled for Jan. 9, 2023 at St. Theresa’s church in Oakland. There will be no visiting hours. The High Requiem Mass will begin at 10 a.m., having been preceded by the recitation of the holy Rosary. Following the Mass all will be welcome to a reception in Despres Hall.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com

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