Thomas "Tommy" Dean

Thomas “Tommy” Dean, 58, of Frederick, MD, died peacefully on Friday, May 19, 2023 surrounded by friends. 

Tommy was born on July 18, 1964 in Hughes County, South Dakota. He graduated from Highland High School in Thornton, Colorado in 1982. Tommy studied Psychology in college and attended the Robert Lewis Studio of Hair Concepts beginning in August, 1983. After completing his cosmetology training he worked at The Hair Company and Salon Eric in Potomac, Maryland, as well as Steven Anthony Salon in Rockville, Maryland. Tommy amassed a huge, diverse clientele over the years, nearly all of whom remained a friend to him after he left his long career in the beauty industry. 

Always active, Tommy enjoyed whitewater kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, and camping. In 1993 he purchased property in the small, Smoky Mountain town of Bryson City, North Carolina. It was on that land that he designed and built his dream home - a cabin with a huge table to accommodate friends, a spiral staircase to a loft, a guest room, and a big covered porch. Tommy enjoyed several years of part-time living in the mountains where he spent his days kayaking the Nantahala and Ocoee Rivers, shooting his BB gun at targets from his porch swing, and exploring the beautiful mountain trails around his home. As always, he made friends easily in Bryson City and nurtured those relationships long after he sold his home there. He continued to visit the area as often as he could. 

In 2002 Tommy moved to Frederick, Maryland and began a second career as a Realtor. In 2003 he joined McLaughlin Realty in Woodsboro where he earned his brokers license and was mentor to numerous new and experienced agents. He enjoyed a successful career, helping countless Frederick area residents purchase and sell homes over the years, retaining all of them in his vast community of friends. 

In 2009 Tommy retired due to health issues and spent his time making new friends, visiting old friends, and creating a warm, inclusive community in Frederick. He became known as the Unofficial Mayor of Frederick for his impact on the downtown community. His quick wit, clever humor, and infectious laugh drew people to him. He checked in. He remembered what was happening in people’s lives. He asked about you, cared about you, he was there for you. 

Tommy is survived by his mom, Edith Tomandl, sister, Katherine Adler (Felix), god daughter, Sunny Scrima, his faithful dogs, Rocky, Jackson, and Walter, cherished colleagues, and his chosen family - his friends. 

The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Stauffer Funeral Homes, 1621 Opossumtown Pike in Frederick, MD 21702.

A celebration of Tommy's life will follow at 2:30 pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers for Tommy, you may donate to:  Canines & Kitties Rescue, 24921 Pinebrook Road, Chantilly, VA 20152.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com.