Dean C. Higley, loving husband, father, grandpa, uncle and friend

OLEAN — Dean C. Higley, of Olean, passed away peacefully Wednesday (March 11, 2026) surrounded by his loved ones, after a long battle with cancer.

Dean was born in Olean on April 19, 1955, the son of the late Robert and Lillian Roller Higley. On June 17, 1989, in the Christ United Methodist Church, he married the former Elizabeth Piccirillo, who survives.

A 1973 graduate of Olean High School, Dean began his career at Dresser-Rand in Olean, where he worked until his retirement in 2023.

He cherished time spent with his family and enjoyed hunting, camping and being outdoors. Dean also enjoyed trips to the casino and was a long-time member of the St. Stephen’s Club.

Dean is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth; his children, Amy (Joshua) Briggs of Kings Mountain, N.C., Jeffrey (Casey) Higley of Summer, S.C. and Kyle Higley of Olean; his grandchildren, Johnathan Briggs, Jacob (Makayla Person) Briggs, Jazmin (Lovell Fanene) Higley and Jordan (Jeff) Milch; great-grandchild, Hattie Briggs; and his siblings, Joseph Higley and Debra Wineberg, both of Olean, and Jenny (Douglas) Kohl of Alabama.

He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Lillian; two brothers, Michael and Robert Higley; and a brother-in-law, William Wineberg.

A Celebration of Dean’s Life will be held at a later date and time to be announced.

Memorials may be made if desired, to Homecare and Hospice, https://homecare-hospice.org/ or by mail, Homecare and Hospice, 115 E. Main St., Allegany, NY 14706; or to Roswell Park at  http://roswellpark.org/ or by mail to Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, P.O. Box 631, Buffalo, NY, 14240.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.