Obituary: David A. Bean

December 19, 1939 – January, 20, 2026

February 3, 2026

David Dean. 1939-2026

Dave was born in Enosburg Falls, Vermont, on December 19, 1939, to Donald and Vivian Bean. He graduated from Enosburg High School in 1957 and earned a Bachelor of Science from Johnson State College in 1961 and a Masters of Education Administration from the University of Vermont in 1974.

He married Reta Jones in Waterbury, Vermont, on June 17, 1961. Dave retired in 1994 after 34 years in education as a teacher and administrator in Woodstock, Vergennes, Burlington and Essex Town schools. 

He was an active and valued community member. He enjoyed the sport of soccer, playing at Johnson State College, serving as the first-ever Burlington High School coach and bringing youth soccer to the parks and recreation program in Burlington. He also coached the sport at various middle schools with the philosophy of giving every kid a chance to play and enjoy the game. In his retirement years, he was proud of his membership and volunteer work with the Knights of Columbus, including playing Santa Claus for adults with intellectual disabilities.

He and Reta divided their retirement years between Venice, Florida, and Burlington. In retirement, Dave was active in his homeowners' association. He was an active member of the St. Mark Catholic Church in Burlington and was a hospice volunteer in Vermont and Florida.

Dave was most proud of being a Dad and being called Papa by his grandchildren. He was proud of all his family and their accomplishments, cherishing fond memories of vacations in Vermont, Maine and Florida. Dave enjoyed gardening and traveling with Reta, including trips to Hawaii, Alaska, the Southwest United States, and the Caribbean. He also had joyful times camping, trout fishing, and storytelling around a campfire with extended family in the Vermont National Forest.

Dave was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Reta. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Brenda Hartshorn and Charles Wallace of Duxbury, Vermont, daughter and son-in-law Deborah and John Averill of Burlington, and son and daughter-in-law Anthony and Jessica Bean of Glastonbury, Connecticut; six grandchildren, Tyler (Jennifer) and Caitlyn Hartshorn ( Zack), William Murphy (Leah), Amanda Averill (Stephanie), Anthony, Jr., and Cameron Bean; and two great grandchildren, Kai and Callum Hartshorn.

A memorial service will be held at St. Mark Roman Catholic Church, 1251 North Ave., Burlington, at 11 a.m. on Feb. 7.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to UVM Health Network Home Health and Hospice, 1110 Prim Road, Colchester, VT 05446, or to Tidewell Hospice - Venice Hospice House, 220 Wexford Boulevard, Venice, FL 34293. 

A private burial will be held at the Warren (Vt.) Community Cemetery at a later date.