DEAN ANDREW SMELTZ age 5, passed away on June 3, 2023, after a short, brave battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer (DIPG).
Dean is the center of the universe to his parents Andrew Smeltz and Julie Renner; beloved grandson of maternal grandparents Theodore and Kimberly Renner and paternal grandparents Douglas (Shelley Wysong) Smeltz and the late Sharon Smeltz; sweetest nephew of Jessica (Rob) Shirey.
Dean was born on May 2, 2018 and has called Willoughby Hills home since. From the get-go, it was obvious he had a fearless and curious spirit. He loved learning and exploring the world around him, experimenting and crafting, all nurtured by his family, nannies Taylor, Tatiana, and Tammy, and finally by the wonderful Pre-K teachers and staff at the Highland Heights Goddard School.
His silly, playful nature was always at full tilt in the evenings at bed time. Chasing a giggling, naked boy around the house before bath was not an uncommon scene. After bath, without fail, it was on to chasing Momma up the stairs to his room with the help of Dada’s “super powers” to leap huge distances and heights, bouncing off of the walls as he went, finally landing in Momma’s lap ready to snuggle his buh-ba’s (blankets) and read at least three books of his choosing.
Dean enjoyed the variety that life offered him. He loved playing chess with Pawpaw and board games with Gigi, and showing his art, tree house designs, robots, and other creations over the phone to Nana and Papa. Going to baseball games to score peanuts and Dippin’ Dots, camping and fishing (mainly collecting worms to take home), and snuggling while watching movies and eating “pa-corn” were his family favorites. Dean also enjoyed his one-on-one time, especially playing video games and fixing things with Dada and buying flowers and playing Lego with Momma.
Dean loved parties and celebrating life. He always ensured the house was sufficiently decorated for birthdays and holidays and loved Dada’s 4th of July firework shows. His sweet and friendly demeanor was apparent playing with his friends at school and home, where they, for example, would devise elaborate traps to catch monsters and his cat Budvar, or play laser tag, with all of his friends undoubtedly leaving their imprints on him.
On June 3, 2023, with his family snuggling him one last time, Dean passed away leaving his family and friends missing him endlessly.
Contributions may be made in memory of Dean to any of the foundations listed HERE.
Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Dean Saturday, June 24, 2023, from 9AM -12 Noon at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND 12811 CHILLICOTHE ROAD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.).
A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 12 Noon at the Funeral Home and Celebration Center.
In honor of one of Dean’s favorite colors and love for the outdoors, please feel free to incorporate purple and or color into your attire on the day of his Celebration of Life.
Send Flowers in Memory of Dean Andrew Smeltz
Offer Condolence for the family of Dean Andrew Smeltz
Print This Obituary & Condolences
Ruth Ehrmantraut
Julie, Andrew, & Ted, Kim, Jessica,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of this adorable little boy. Children are so, so precious. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your little Angel. May he rest in eternal peace in the arms of Jesus, our brother. Ruth & Brian Ehrmantraut.
Douglas Smeltz
I have a new found respect for Honey
Mustard!
Tatiana Rodrigues Sei
Julie and Andy,
I am so sorry for you loss.
I am speechless and I don’t even imagine the pain you are right now.
Dean was such a smart, beautiful, curious baby boy and I was honored to take care of him.
He will be in my heart forever and you guys in my prayers.
Julie and Dellas Bentz
Our hearts are broken We are so very sorry and sad to hear that your beautiful baby boy has passed. May he rest in Peace ️. Our prayers are with all of you
Elaine and Dave Cottrell
We are absolutely stunned and heartbroken over the loss of this adorable and dearly loved little boy! We are so very sorry…you will be in our thoughts and prayers for a long time.
alberto cominelli
Ciao Andrea, I had learned from Christian about the illness of your beloved son Dean. Now I learn from FIlippo the sad news. I can’t tell you how sorry I am that a young life ended up cut short by a terrible disease. I don’t think I can imagine your immense pain, I hope that the strength and determination you have always shown in your profession can help you. A big hug
Donna LaGois
People tell you not to have regrets, even though we do. Dean’s little life was cut short due to circumstances out of our control. His life was full of love from Julie & Andy. A parent’s love full of sleepless nights, unconditional love, laughter, & sacrifice. People say you can die from a broken heart, & I do believe it to be true. I couldn’t even begin to imagine the unbearable pain you are going through. No one has your answers to the “why’s” that must be going through your minds. No one can walk this journey for you. It’s a desolate road that you must walk alone. If our love could shelter you & take away this pain from you, it would already be done. All we can do is be here for you. Hold your hand or hug you when you need us. Sit silently beside you & allow you to feel any & every emotion, in order to heal. Unfortunately, life will carry on without Dean’s bright spirit & beautiful soul. You will continue through the day to day of life’s activities wondering how you’re going to survive. Please allow yourself time to heal. Grief is a process. His beautiful life will not be forgotten but cherished!! We love you both so much!
Team R&D - Hydrogen, Milan
Close to your pain and with strong emotion, we express our deepest condolences for the sudden passing of your beloved son.
May his memory fill the great void he left.
To you, your wife and your family, our sincere affection,
Alessandro, Alice, Alice, Alida, Andrea, Andrea, Anna, Anna, Antonella , Beatrice , Bernard, Camilla, Cecilia, Chiara, Chiara, Christian, Cristina, Daniela, Daniele, Danilo, Davide, Elena, Elena, Emanuele, Enrico, Erika, Eva, Fabio, Fabio, Federica, Francesco, Francesco, Giacomo, Giorgio, Giovanni, Giulia, Irene, Ismaele, Leonello, Lisa, Lorenzo, Luca, Luciano, Manlio, Marco, Matteo, Michele, Michele, Paolo, Patrick, Riccardo, Roberto, Roberto, Roberto, Silvia, Stefania, Valentina, Vittoria
David Swiatkowski
All my condolences. I am so so sorry for your loss.
Laura Meduna
My dear sweet Julie and Andrew❤️
Simple words cannot even begin to express how very sorry we are. When your Mom called me to let me know Dean was called home to God, I thought my heart would break. I want you to know you guys are in my heart and prayers every day. Will we ever understand ? Probably not. All we can do is trust our Lord and let those around us surround us with love, a shoulder to cry on, a phone call to just talk or cry. Dean will forever and ever live on thru the 2 of you and will NEVER be forgotten❤️
With all my love, Auntie Laura
Elaine Martone
Bob & I are so deeply sad and sorry for the loss of your beloved Dean. Doug told Bob on Monday and it was a shock to us. We hold you all in our hearts.
Jill Renner
Dear Julie and Andy, Our family grieves with your family for the loss of Dean. He was wonderful in every way, and his presence will be forever missed. We are keeping you in our thoughts and are here for you, now and always. David , Jill and family
Industrie De Nora
The Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Paolo Dellachà, the Directors and colleagues of Industrie De Nora share your pain for the tragic loss of your son.
His memory will live forever in the hearts of all who loved him.
Our sincerest condolences,
Industries De Nora Spa
Luis and Mary Mercado
Andy and Julie. We are so sorry for your loss. Dean was the spark in both of you and his absence will be sadly missed. I never wished you 2 to become members of a club not by our choosing. Losing a child leaves an unfilled void. No words can express the sorrow we feel of losing your son. He lives in our hears forever and his presence will always be felt. Give yourselves lots of time to grieve. Cherish his memory passionately. Know you’re loved and we’re here for you. People use to tell us they wish they could take our pain away. They can’t. But I do know you 2 were amazing parents and you gave Dean the most awesome life adventure. Always remember but never look back. Dean will live on in your soul each and every day. We love you. Luis, Mary, Andre, Jayme, and Victor (RIP)
H2U Technologies
Dear Andy and Family,
All of the staff at H2U Technologies wish to express our condolences to you and the family at the loss of your son Dean. You have been an important part of our journey to date and we greatly value your contributions and share in your grief. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Jim Woodring
Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss! Just from the pictures you shared I could tell he definitely had a devilish and adorable side to his personality.
Hope it helps to know that there are people out here who care and are Praying for peace and resolution to your grief!
Judy & Ben Holderman
It is with a heavy heart I write this message. No one knows the gravity of the pain in your heart of losing a child unless they to have done so. May the many memories made during Dean’s short life provide some comfort. We are praying for strength and healing in this most difficult time.
Janie Mueller
Julie and Andy, I just watched the videos posted on the funeral home website and Dean’s celebration of life. I am enchanted with the child that he was. What a joy to have had him for five whole years!! A few days ago I sent you a book. Every day will be filled with immense sadness for you. On a day when you are overwhelmed, please read it!! It will bring a smile and a tiny bit of peace. My deepest sympathies to you both and your families. Love you, Julie!!
Daniel Rapposelli
Ohh … what a wonderful boy and parents that cherished him … I know you not , but feel inside for your family … beautiful boy you both raised … much love to all in his life …
Daniel ❣️