Dean R. Kilbourn

GREAT VALLEY — Dean R. Kilbourn, 89, of Great Valley, passed away peacefully at Buffalo General Hospital on Friday (Sept. 19, 2025).

Born June 1, 1936, Dean dedicated his life to his family, his work and his country. Dean was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, known for his curiosity, intelligence and inventiveness.

Dean proudly served in the U.S. Navy for four years, where he embraced the rigor and camaraderie of military life. After his service, he pursued an education at the University of New Mexico, which paved the way for a diverse career.

Dean worked as a teacher and an engineer before founding American Form Tech, where he applied his inventive spirit and leadership skills.

An avid outdoorsman, Dean enjoyed fishing and camping, often sharing these passions with his family and friends. In recent years, he really enjoyed his time with his great-grandson Jaxson, whom he spent time with almost everyday. His love of the natural world was evident in every excursion he planned and every story he told.

He is survived by his children, Eric and April Kilbourn, Shawn and Deborah Kilbourn, Lenora and Jack Leasure; his grandchildren, Ericka (Josh Lattery) Kilbourn, Kaitlin (Mike) Malloy, Ryan Kilbourn, Breyson Kilbourn, and Danny Kilbourn; and great-grandchildren, Jaxson, Gracie, Julianna, and Madilynn. Dean also leaves behind his brother and sister-in-law, Russell and Margo Kilbourn; many nieces and nephews; as well as a dear family friend, Rich (Sally) Cuozzo, who was like a son to Dean.

He was preceded in death by his beloved spouse, Ellen L. Murray Kilbourn in 1998; and several siblings and in-laws over the years.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of the family. Details of this celebration will be announced later. There will be no visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Dean’s name to the New York Academy of Sciences. Contributions can be made online at New York Academy of Sciences Donation Page, https://support.nyas.org/give/552840/#!/donation/checkout.

Dean’s legacy will live on through the lives he touched and the knowledge he cherished. His children welcome friends and family to sign the guest book and share stories at legacy.com.