Dean C. Black, 69, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025.
He was born in Ohio and moved to Ipswich at the age of 7. After graduating from Ipswich High School, he began his career as a mechanic at Jimmy’s Exxon in Ipswich, then became a top Snap-on tool dealer in his territory and later returned to auto mechanics at Tom’s Auto in Ipswich. Dean eventually started his own business, Ipswich Marine Services, receiving a Master Mechanic certificate from Mercruiser Marine. He served on the board of directors for the Ipswich Outboard Club for 20 years with 6 of those as Commodore.
Dean enjoyed spending times with friends, skiing in the winter and boating in the summer, and was always ready for a good time. Over time his love of riding and then restoring antique motorcycles grew to be his favorite pastime. He developed life-long friendships within the hobby and the AMCA community. This passion allowed him to combine his mechanical prowess with his appreciation for the mechanical history of these early machines and breathe new life into them. His broad knowledge and his ability to build them from the ground up was well-known in the hobby’s circles. He truly enjoyed sharing that knowledge with other enthusiasts especially those of the next generation.
Dean’s garage was his happy place as well as a hub of camaraderie, where laughter and encouragement were always present. His closest friends say “Dean was a kind-hearted, gentle soul who helped everyone. He was always positive and made people feel better and encouraged them. He put others before himself right up until the end.”
More than anything else, Dean’s wife and daughter were always his priority, and he always made sure they were taken care of. Spending quality time with his family was always special. Coaching his daughter’s soccer team, creating things his daughter dreamed upped, playing board games, and taking many family vacations. Dean and his wife enjoyed a long, loving marriage. They were each other’s confidant, supporter and cheerleader. They shared an interest in antiques and history, and she took pride in attending motorcycle meets with him. Over the last few years, they were able to visit places and events that they’d always wanted to.
In addition to his wife, Jeanine and daughter Megan, he leaves his sister, Donna McHargue and her husband John; brother, Crow Black with his wife Hedi and a fleet of nieces and nephews who adored their fun-loving uncle. Dean was predeceased by his parents, Don and Helen Black, who undoubtedly instilled in him the values of hard work and the importance of a hearty chuckle.
He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of crossing paths with him.
Relatives and friends are invited to Calling Hours held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., at F. S. Roberts & Son Funeral Home, 14 Independent Street of Rowley, Ma.
The family welcomes your memories & condolences of Dean to be expressed on his Tribute Wall, Dean’s e-mail, or by mail
There will be a private burial with a Celebration of Life at a later time. The family welcomes your memories & condolences of Dean to be expressed on his Tribute Wall, Dean’s e-mail, or by mail.
In lieu of flowers, donation pledges in Dean’s memory can be made to one of his favorite charities, St. Jude Children’s Cancer Research Hospital.
To light a memorial candle or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.fsrobertsandson.com.
~ Arrangements entrusted to F. S. Roberts & Son Funeral Home ~
