Classmates,
It is with a heavy heart that we once more have to inform you of the death of one of our ’78 brothers, 19th Company’s Dean Engelhardt. Dean passed away at his home in Hertford, NC, on Saturday, March 22, 2025, after a brief battle with sarcoma cancer. Dean is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sue; his son, James; a grandson, Strider; and nine nieces and nephews.
After graduation, Dean served on active duty for 22 years as a Navy Surface Line and Navy Diver/Explosive Ordinance Disposal Officer. He went on to serve in numerous positions within the federal government to include nuclear weapons safety officer. Upon retirement he worked part time as an instructor at the Graduate School USA. He was also engaged in many volunteer activities which included supporting the William Paul Stallings American Legion Post 126 as a prior Vice Commander, assisting with Open Pantry Food Bank and Meals on Wheels. Dean was a member of Cann Memorial Presbyterian Church, Toastmasters International, Perquimans Democratic Party, and the Naval Academy Alumni Association.
A memorial service will be held Monday, March 31, at 2:00 p.m. at Cann Memorial Presbyterian Church, 311 W. Main Street, Elizabeth City. His life will again be celebrated in August at a ceremony at his beloved cabin in Iowa.
The family requests in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to curesarcoma.org or to a Go Fund Me to support a future donation to Future Farmers of America at Dean’s origins at Waukon, Iowa High School (https://gofund.me/9c19d909).
You can read Dean’s Obituary on our Class website, the Alumni Association Website or on the funeral director’s site, https://www.millerfhc.com/obituaries/dean-engelhardt
Please keep Sue, James, Stryder and all of Dean’s family in your thoughts and prayers – and think fondly on the memories shared with Dean.
Eternal Father, Strong to Save….
Fair winds…
Glen
Glen Woods
President, USNA Class of 1978