Dean Allen Confer Sr. passed away peacefully at Rose View Manor in Williamsport on September 9, 2026, surrounded by his family’s prayers, love, and compassion. Dean was born on July 14, 1943, in Antes Fort to the late Samuel and Phoebie (Tomb) Confer. His family later relocated to Ralston, where Dean grew up. He graduated from Canton High School in 1961, where he was a sectional champion in wrestling during his senior year. He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Guadalcanal. He was honored with a Veterans Pinning Ceremony on September 8, 2026.

Dean married his first wife, the late Alma C. Fausey, and had two sons, Dean (Candace) and Michael (Judy), and a daughter, Denise (Steve) Braim. Dean then met his wife Lori (Knecht), and they were married and resided in Roaring Branch, raising their sons Caleb (Mary) and Noah (Valerie). Dean and Lori would have celebrated their thirty‑sixth wedding anniversary on September 29, 2026.

Dean held numerous jobs throughout his life and retired from Brodart in 2008, but retirement didn’t stop him from working. He was proud of his garbage route, and it wasn’t until his truck caught fire that he was finally forced to slow down. Dean lived his eighty‑three years of life to the fullest, always keeping busy and making every moment count.

Some of Dean’s favorite pastimes were hunting and fishing with his family at the Confers’ Miss‑n‑Link cabin and the Knecht Mouse House, as well as the annual fishing trip to Lake Erie. Rarely did he miss a Saturday night poker game with his family. He was an avid sports fan and rooted for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penn State football. Dean loved to watch NASCAR and enjoyed collecting football and baseball cards. His grandchildren rekindled his love for softball. He played outfield on the Confer family softball team where they won numerous tournaments and their trophies are displayed in the Confer Cabin. He also enjoyed playing bingo on Thursday nights in Ralston. In fact, there was a cardinal rule in the Confer household: no one can die on a Thursday.

Dean is survived by his wife, Lori, brother; Harry “Bill” (Linda) Confer, sisters‑in‑law; Edna Confer(Ray Clymer), Helen Confer, Becky Confer, Rosemary Confer, and Joann Confer, brothers‑in‑law; Earl Moretz, Kenny (Barb) Knecht, Roger (Deanna) Knecht, Dave (Paulette) Knecht, John Edkin, Mary (Danny) Route, Paul Hoffman, and Michelle Knecht, grandchildren Jessica, Megan, Zain, Michael Jr., Skyaria, Nikki, Britany, Tia, Chelci, Lexi, Boston, Haven, Octavius, Nevaeh, Delayneh, and Makenlee, as well as numerous great‑grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides his parents, Dean was predeceased by his siblings; Dora Getgen, Helen McFarland, Robert, Edith Felmy, Samuel “Tink,” Jack, Edna Morse, Guy, Ronald and Albert “Coon”, sisters‑in‑law; Sandy Moretz, Carolyn (Tink) Hoffman, Cindy Edkin, and Debbie Brown, along with his granddaughter Mindy Sue Confer and numerous nieces and nephews.

A time of visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, 578 Springbrook Drive in Canton. A memorial service to honor Dean’s life will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be private and held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dean’s name may be directed to a charity of one’s choice. Memories of Dean and condolences to his family may be shared by visiting www.pepperfuneralhomes.com.