Norman Dean Paolucci “Mr.Dean”, 62, of Cadiz, Ohio passed away Saturday, January 24, 2026, at WVU Medicine Harrison Community Hospital surrounded by family and friends following a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was a son, brother, uncle, great uncle, and friend to many. He was born on October 13, 1963, in Martins Ferry, Ohio.

Dean started working at a very young age delivering newspapers then went on to stock shelves at the local grocery store (Pat’s M&K), from there to Whitlatch Auto Body followed by Hardy Coal Company, Buckeye Landscape, Harrison County Garage and finally New Athens Water & Street Department.

Dean was always working on or building something, including the garage he lived in. He was the “Jack of all Trades”. Appreciated by all that needed transported to appointments or the hospital, day or night. He was a fan of Nascars’ Darrell Waltrip but the dirt track was his passion, following T-8 (Banal). The stories told were very entertaining. Dean loved being outside. Welding during the day, then sitting by a fire jamming to WDVE 102.5, Led Zep, Ramble On being “his song”. He would always say he was “bad to the bone” and although the cancer changed his looks, he would remind himself “It’s not about looks it’s about performance.”

He was preceded in death by his father, Norman Edward “Ed” Paolucci, stepmother, Karen Skinner and his beloved cat Harley Girl.

He is survived by his mother, Betty M. Kurtz Paolucci; sister, and care giver, Chriscel Kelley; sister, Dannell (Jim) Luyster; niece, (Dr. Jeca) Jessica (Andy) Bates; nephew, Derrick (Monica) Kelley; great niece (his buddy), McKenna June Kelley.

Per Dean’s wishes cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Dean requested that people donate to the Harrison County Cancer Crusaders in his name, as they were a tremendous help in his journey. Contributions may be mailed to the Harrison County Cancer Crusaders, c/o Julie McPeak, 226 Charleston Street, Cadiz, Ohio 43907.

The memorial guestbook may be signed at clark-kirkland-barr.com.