Dean John Avellis, age 74, of Salem, Hamilton, and Mendon, Mass, passed away on December 28, 2023, after a long battle with multiple sclerosis.

Prior to his illness, Dean had a very busy life as a musician, singer, dancer, business owner, radio DJ, and baseball coach.

He created two rock and roll bands, The Bandits and the Lancasters, who played all over the country, including regular performances in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Chicago. An accomplished musician, he played guitar, piano, drums, trumpet, banjo, and trombone. Later in life, he joined the Corcoran Brothers and became part of the trio, the Coast Connection with Brian Corcoran and Ben Parisi.

He owned part of the Salem Willows with his father, Albert Avellis, and older brother Bill Avellis. When he was in town, you would often see Dean interacting with friends and customers at Deano's Pizza and the Dodgems.

During the early years of his illness, he enjoyed spending time with his friends and neighbors on Lake Chebacco in Hamilton. He always had a dog by his side and befriended all the neighborhood dogs as well. When he eventually needed more care, he moved in with his mother Georgia Deane Avellis in Mendon, MA. His sister, Cynthia Avellis Marnik, joined them there a few years ago. For the last two years, he had 24-hour care there until his death.

Throughout his life, he made so many friends who loved him and still stayed in contact with him. He was a good friend to all and gave all of himself to everyone he called a friend.

Dean leaves his older sister, Cynthia Marnik, and several nieces and nephews: Matthew Marnik, Rachel Marnik and Chris Leiton, Daniel Marnik and Jennifer Marnik, Seanna Donovan and Jon Chmura; Jeanne Nesto, Candy Oddi, Cindy Oddi, several great nieces and nephews.  He also leaves his closest friends Brian Corcoran and Ben Parisi and special friend Erin Wise. He was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Georgia Deane Avellis, siblings Dolores Avellis Oddi and Bill Avellis; cousin Brenda Bassett Donovan, and many close friends.

His service and eulogy will be held at Murphy's Funeral Home in Salem on Friday, January 5 from 4:30 to 6:30pm. In lieu of flowers, Dean would have appreciated the support of his favorite dance group, the Greater Milford Ballet in Mendon, MA.