Dean A. Paley

In Loving Memory of Dean

April 15, 1937 — August 21, 2026

Dean Arthur Paley, age 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 21, 2026 in the Kent Regency Medical Facility in Warwick, RI, leaving behind a life filled with military service, exceptional woodworking craftsmanship, wonderful music, and cherished memories.

Dean proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Military Police officer, embodying the discipline, courage, dependability, and sense of responsibility that remained hallmarks of his life.

After his military service, Dean worked as a lithographer at Ambrose Press in Norwood, MA, before following his passion for woodworking. As a master carpenter, he worked in the Newport, RI mansions where his extraordinary skill, patience, and attention to detail were evident in everything he built or repaired. His mischievous humor, kindness to animals, and love of family were equally defining qualities.

Music was another important part of Dean's life. In the 1950s, he was the guitarist/vocalist of the famous Boston doo-wop band, The Three D’s.. The band enjoyed success during the birth of rock and roll, with hits including “Baby Doll”, “Little Billy Boy” and “I Love You So.” The Three D’s were the musical act behind Arnie Ginsburg’s WMEX radio’s Night Train show, and together they became a signature part of Boston’s 1950s doo-wop and Top 40 radio culture. Dean and The Three D's appeared several times on two of the most iconic television programs of the era, The Ed Sullivan Show and Dick Clark's American Bandstand. It was at American Bandstand that Dean saw “the most beautiful girl in the world” – his soulmate, Marilyn. Dean and Marilyn were married on June 4, 1960 in the United Church of Walpole, MA and they made their new life together in Walpole.

Beyond his many accomplishments, Dean's greatest legacy was his family. He will be remembered for the many moments that made life special—the songs he sang with his children; his road trip all throughout Canada with his soulmate Marilyn in his 1965 Ford Mustang; and later, their large family gatherings. The best of times were their many family vacations in Cape Cod and in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

During their later years, Dean and Marilyn lived a very happy life with his son Mark and his family, where they were surrounded by love, care and delicious meals. Dean especially enjoyed Lindsey’s cooking, attending his grandchildren’s hockey games, and hearing about their days at school around the dinner table. He also cherished Sunday breakfasts with Kelly and Mike at Jigger’s Diner, followed by drives along Rhode Island’s beaches and visits to Newport’s mansions as they all sang songs from his band at full volume.

Dean will be remembered for his sparkling wit, contagious laughter, gentle heart for animals, and deep love of family. His legacy lives on through the stories he shared, the skills and talents he passed down to his children, his incredible craftsmanship, his uplifting music, and the countless memories he created. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Dean will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.

Beloved husband of the late Marilyn Anne Paley.

Loving father of Kelly Anne Paley and her husband, Michael Rodenbaugh, of Webster, MA; and Mark David Paley and his wife, Lindsey, of Warwick, RI.

Cherished grandfather of Dean Paley and Ayla Paley both of Warwick, RI.

Brother of Phyllis Philip of South Dartmouth, MA; the late Frederick Paley of Boston, MA; and the late Roger Paley of Boston, MA.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Dean’s Life Celebration on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. Interment will follow in Knollwood Memorial Park in Canton, MA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Neurological Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215.