Jeffrey Layne Dean
Jeffrey Layne Dean, of Haddon Heights, NJ, the beloved husband of Kathryn “Kate” (nee Lovett) for 27 years and cherished father of Jack, Andrew and Jeffrey, Jr. passed away on January 23, 2024 at home at the age of 58. Dean is the son of Betty Jean (nee Knick) and the late Johnie Dean, of Longdale, Clifton Forge. He also leaves a brother, Jay and his wife, Chris and nephews, Zachary and his wife Jessica, Michael and Nicholas; one great niece, Hailey as well as the many loving members of Kate’s family.
Jeff was a native of Charlottesville, VA who was a four-year letterman at Bridgewater College in VA. He earned First Team All-Old Dominion Athletic Conference as a pitcher in 1986, and received a B.S. of Health and Physical Education in 1987. He subsequently spent two years as an assistant baseball coach before moving to Salisbury State University in 1989. Jeff served as an assistant baseball coach at Salisbury State from 1989-1993 where he received a Master of Education in Educational Administration in 1991.
In September of 1993, Jeff joined the Rutgers-Camden coaching staff and was named head baseball coach. In his time as head coach, 1994-1998, he compiled a record of 59-101-3. In 1996, the team’s record was 15-15, the best record at Rutgers-Camden since 1988. In 1999 he was promoted to Assistant Director of Recreational Services, which would prove to be the stepping stone to being named the Director of Athletics and Recreational Services, Rutgers-Camden. He took over 12 intercollegiate varsity programs, as well as a variety of club and recreational services. He also added men’s and women’s indoor track, and reinstated men’s and women’s tennis.
Notable recognition for Rutgers-Camden Athletics under his dedicated watch include:
2003 First Rutgers-Camden NJAC title, women’s basketball and a first NCAA tournament game win in school history
2006 softball team NCAA Championship
2013 men’s soccer team advanced to the NCAA title game
Numerous Student Athlete All-American honors and
Student Athlete Academic All-American honors
National Championship in men’s track – Tim Vanliew/javelin and Jude Misko/hammer
It is easy to understand why Jeff Dean has been appropriately described as: ” Fiercely loyal, supportive and proud of his student-athletes, staff and the Rutgers-Camden Community.”
Relatives and friends paid their respects 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, February 3, 2024, at EVOY-BANASZ FUNERAL HOME, 129 White Horse Pike, Haddon Heights, NJ where a memorial service followed at 11:30 a.m. Burial was held privately. The family would appreciate memorial donations in Jeff’s name in lieu of flowers to: Camden Athletics Gift Fund / Rutgers University Foundation. give.rutgersfoundation.org
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