In Memory
Dean Hovermale, amazing husband and wonderful Dad, will be greatly missed. He passed away unexpectedly on July 9, 2021 at the age of 58.
Dean is preceded in death by his father, Emery J. Hovermale. He is survived by his mother, Margaret Glenys Hovermale; his wife, Cathy Hovermale; his children, Matthew and Audrey Hovermale; brothers, Allen and wife Terri, Phil and wife Stephanie, and Byron Hovermale; Brother in-law, Andrew and wife Lori Kosara; Sister-in laws, Chrissy and husband John Gambino, Theresa Kosara.
Dean was born in Los Angeles, California on April 18, 1963 to Emery and Glenys Hovermale. To friends and family, Dean was a well of kindness, selflessness, and wisdom. Dean was completely devoted to being a phenomenal husband and father. Whether kayaking across the James, climbing Mt. Zion, or taking his family to every single beach in Florida, Dean was unquestionably supportive of us at the helm of our many family adventures, which he always seemed to brighten. Not to mention how devoted he was to his family; he never missed a beat, and praised each and everyone’s successes without question. Wherever Dean went, laughter followed. He couldn’t help but to crack jokes no matter the circumstance. He was a master of dad jokes, puns, wordplay, and funny stories. Dean’s love of life materialized as the goofiest sense of humor that we all love and adore.
Dean was a student of life. From being the first in his family to acquire a college degree, to teaching himself a myriad of technological and mechanical skills through tutorials on the internet, he never stopped learning. He was a self-taught pianist, dancer, mechanic, guitarist, surfer, roboticist, among other endless projects. He taught us that it’s never too late to learn and that nothing is impossible to do.
Dean was passionate about his work as a manufacturing engineer at the Huntington Ingalls Shipyard, where he was a beloved peer and mentor for nineteen years. His creativity and ingenuity were recognized often.
He will be deeply missed by his friends, family and loved ones.
Those who also carry his memories are invited to Nelsen Funeral Home 3785 Strawberry Plains Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, July 16th to reminisce, grieve and support each other, and of course, just to chat or share a story. A celebration of Dean’s life is scheduled for 1:00 pm on
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