Who are the Deen’s?
Stan Deen’s Story
English teacher, actor, director, Stan Deen’s remarkable life is reflected in the transformed lives of generations of students and adults from Lancaster County PA to New York City to Southern California who encountered the distinctive wit, charm, and caring of “Stan the Man.” Perpetually enthusiastic, Stan shared his optimistic zest for life with every person who crossed his path in a way that brought out the best in others.
After an acting stint in California, Stan returned to Lancaster County where he found his calling as an animated and engaging teacher/mentor of young people. At Garden Spot High School he founded one of the first regional performing arts theater programs and began his decades of connecting in a deep and personal way with students from all walks of life.
A+ Well
done!
Stan would draw out the potential in others even when they didn’t see it in themselves.
Whether giving a Hershey chocolate bar to a hungry and homeless student, driving up to New York City to support an alumna in her theatrical quest, or enabling the release of a teen from jail, Stan walked the talk of caring about others. Upon his retirement, the School District immortalized Stan’s legacy as a teacher and director, naming the school auditorium in his honor.
Stan continued his multifaceted theater career working ten-plus years as a writer and producer at a large regional theater, as well as teaching college and high school theater classes at several schools and associations. Always in demand for theatrical productions, Stan continued producing shows up to the day of his passing when he was directing rehearsals for a summer production.
Stan Deen’s life is not to be measured in the quantity or types of positions he held, but in the quality of his human relationships and the overwhelmingly positive impact he had on countless students and adults. Stan had the rare ability to make every person he encountered feel special and truly valued. He drew out the potential in others, often when they did not see it themselves. Stan Deen will be remembered as a man whose boundless love, joy, and generosity of spirit touched every person he knew.
Nate Deen
Nathaniel Deen, lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with his wife Jessica, their two mini-golden-doodles, Winston & Remi, & their cats, Lucy and Finnegan. Nate has 30 plus years experience in professional photography, theater & film and is currently self employed as a Film Producer. Nathaniel’s life story has been made into a feature film called Brave the Dark, which centers around his experience of escaping the darkness of his past. With the help and unconditional love from a teacher, Mr. Stan Deen, Nathaniel was able to begin the healing process as he and Stan became a family. In 2018 Nathaniel and Jessica officially changed their last name to DEEN to honor Stan and the love he showed Nathaniel. Along with Brave the Dark, Nathaniel has launched The Stan Deen Foundation, to help inspire hope in others who have struggled with setbacks in life.
BRAVE THE DARK
Brave the dark and let your light shine
Memories
