Dean was born in Eureka and graduated from Eureka High School class of ‘63 then attended College of the Redwoods. He worked for Napa Auto for many years in Eureka, Garberville, Santa Rosa and Sacramento as a truck parts specialist. Dean made lasting friendships  while volunteering for many years at the Redway Fire Protection District. 

Dean loved Corvettes and drag raced in Samoa as a young person. He was a member of Redwood Sports Car Club and Charisma Corvettes as well as the Sons of Italy. He loved NASCAR and volunteered at events through his contacts at Napa. Dean made friends everywhere he went.

Dean loved his cats and would frequently adopt cats in need. 

Dean is survived by his former wife (and friend) Janet Winterberg; sister Collette Merrill; niece and nephew; daughters Pam Arneson and Rachael Aquarian; four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

There will be a celebration of life at a later date that will be announced on Facebook.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Dean Massagli’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.