Dicky Dean Quillen Jr., it took a village
Dicky Dean Quillen Jr., 41, passed away at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, surrounded by loving family and friends.
It took a village to support Dean with his many medical challenges, and in return he gave back in numerous ways. His warm presence touched us all, especially all the children who grew up in his company, and who learned so much from their relationship with him.
Dean went to Howard T. Ennis and Sussex County Orthopedic School in Seaford High School. After graduation, he attended Easter Seals Day Program and Delaware Mentor Center. Dean was supported in a residence program in Morris Manor at the Stockley Center campus, and then at his home with Delaware Mentor at Fall Brook.
He loved to travel, touring up and down the East Coast and Canada, and cruising the Caribbean. He experienced the heights of his world from the top of Whiteface Mountain, home of the Olympics, and from the top of the Empire State Building. He enjoyed exploring life on train rides, boat outings, beaches and city streets.
He was preceded in death by his sister Lorretta Quillen.
Two devoted families worked together throughout Dean’s life, the Quillen and Moon Hughes families. He leaves behind his father, Dicky Dean Quillen Sr. (Peggy) of Bridgeville; his mother, Brenda Quillen of Lakeland, Fla.; his sister Sara Quillen of Lakeland; his sister Lorie Pacheco (Martin) of Bridgeville; and eight nieces and nephews.
At the age of 8, Dean was enfolded into the home of Kathy Moon Hughes, daughter of the Rev. Frank and Mrs. Barbra Moon. His sisters in this family are Anna Hughes Piccolo (Matt) of Milton and Amy Moon Hughes of Millsboro. His uncle is Rick Moon (Jane) of North River, N.Y.; and one nephew.
Dean’s family would like to extend their gratitude to all the fantastic medical care throughout the years, doctors and nurses at Beebe Hospital Emergency Room, 3rd Floor and ICU, AI Dupont Institute, Kennedy Krieger of Baltimore, Md., and St. Christopher Hospital of Philadelphia, Pa.
A celebration of his life will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 6, at the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, where friends and family may call after 11 a.m. Interment will follow services at St. Peter’s Cemetery, 211 Mulberry St., Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests you donate to one of the above institutions or a charity of your choice in Dean’s name.
