Dean Andrew Smeltz

DEAN ANDREW SMELTZ age 5, passed away on June 3, 2023, after a short, brave battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer (DIPG).

Dean is the center of the universe to his parents Andrew Smeltz and Julie Renner; beloved grandson of maternal grandparents Theodore and Kimberly Renner and paternal grandparents Douglas (Shelley Wysong) Smeltz and the late Sharon Smeltz; sweetest nephew of Jessica (Rob) Shirey.

Dean was born on May 2, 2018 and has called Willoughby Hills home since. From the get-go, it was obvious he had a fearless and curious spirit. He loved learning and exploring the world around him, experimenting and crafting, all nurtured by his family, nannies Taylor, Tatiana, and Tammy, and finally by the wonderful Pre-K teachers and staff at the Highland Heights Goddard School.

His silly, playful nature was always at full tilt in the evenings at bed time. Chasing a giggling, naked boy around the house before bath was not an uncommon scene. After bath, without fail, it was on to chasing Momma up the stairs to his room with the help of Dada’s “super powers” to leap huge distances and heights, bouncing off of the walls as he went, finally landing in Momma’s lap ready to snuggle his buh-ba’s (blankets) and read at least three books of his choosing.

Dean enjoyed the variety that life offered him. He loved playing chess with Pawpaw and board games with Gigi, and showing his art, tree house designs, robots, and other creations over the phone to Nana and Papa. Going to baseball games to score peanuts and Dippin’ Dots, camping and fishing (mainly collecting worms to take home), and snuggling while watching movies and eating “pa-corn” were his family favorites. Dean also enjoyed his one-on-one time, especially playing video games and fixing things with Dada and buying flowers and playing Lego with Momma.

Dean loved parties and celebrating life. He always ensured the house was sufficiently decorated for birthdays and holidays and loved Dada’s 4th of July firework shows. His sweet and friendly demeanor was apparent playing with his friends at school and home, where they, for example, would devise elaborate traps to catch monsters and his cat Budvar, or play laser tag, with all of his friends undoubtedly leaving their imprints on him.

On June 3, 2023, with his family snuggling him one last time, Dean passed away leaving his family and friends missing him endlessly.

Contributions may be made in memory of Dean to any of the foundations listed HERE.

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Dean Saturday, June 24, 2023, from 9AM -12 Noon at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND 12811 CHILLICOTHE ROAD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.).

A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 12 Noon at the Funeral Home and Celebration Center.

In honor of one of Dean’s favorite colors and love for the outdoors, please feel free to incorporate purple and or color into your attire on the day of his Celebration of Life.