Dean Audwyn Blissett

Dean was born November 5, 1956 in New York to his parents Maurice A. Blissett and Thelma M. Fleming. He was the only child born from this union. He accepted Christ at an early age and was active in his Catholic faith. Dean spent his early years in New York until he moved to L.A. where he resided with his mothers’ family. Dean attended local catholic schools and was an exceptional baseball player. His family felt that Deans’ exceptional pitching skills could have taken him to the pros. He became very involved with the L.A. Dodger’s Fan club and he was a bat-boy for several seasons. During his early adolescence, Dean moved with his father and step-mother to Germany where he learned the culture, and spoke German fluently. He also became a great babysitter for his little sister Pier. Dean later returned to L.A. and attended Hamilton High school, and L.A. Trade Tech. He joined the Navy in 1975. He served as a chef/cook and was honorably discharged in 1978.

Dean began his professional career as an auto detailer for Mercedes Benz Beverly Hills. Years later Dean relocated to Bakersfield Ca where he continued his career as a Mercedes Benz Parts Technician with a local dealership. Deans’ prior experiences led to him become the first African-American to graduate from the Mercedes Benz School of technology in 1990. He became a certified Mercedes Benz Parts Advisor. Dean also gained a new hobby while living in Bakersfield. He loved raising, and training ”homing/roller” pigeons. He had more than 100 pigeons. Dean and his close friend Travis built walk-in pigeon cages and they would often spend countless hours training them and attending pigeon shows. He would video the birds flipping in the sky and returning to their cages after flying miles away.

Dean continued his career in the parts industry until he relocated to northern California in 2001. In 2007 Dean moved to Sacramento to be with his children. He enjoyed traveling, family gatherings, spending time with his children, and grandchildren. Dean was very supportive of their activities and often attended school and sports events.

Dean was a very peaceful and kind person. He was easy-going and enjoyed the simple things in life. He was an avid collector of hats and Jamaican memorabilia. He also had a collection of Dodgers’ souvenirs. Dean was also an artist at heart. He marveled in the fact that his children picked up his love for drawing and painting. He loved showing off his children’s art work .Dean truly embraced his Jamaican roots. His favorite daily activity was sitting outside playing his Reggae music and watching people as they walked by. He was a regular on the scene of downtown Sacramento. He shared the stories of tourist giving him money when he sat outside playing his music because they enjoyed his “IRIE vibe”. Strangers were drawn to his gentle soul and calming spirit. They would often approach him just to have a friendly conversation.

In 2014 Dean took on the task of assisting his sister, Karleen with the care of their ailing mother. She relocated to Sacramento to be closer to Dean and his family. Dean visited his mom often in the nursing home and would sit with her for hours reminiscing about the good times they had.

Dean spent the last 3 years enjoying his life with his loving partner Mimi. He enjoyed an active lifestyle including biking, swimming, camping, road trips, and attending his grandchildren’s activities. Dean loved his family and extended family. He will forever remain in our hearts.

Dean leaves to cherish his memories, his father Maurice A. Blissett(Christa) of Elmhurst N.Y., Sisters Karleen Ross of Las Vegas and Pier Blissett-Abodunrin(Ade) of Atlanta Ga, Son Dean A. Blissett ii of Az, Traye Tillery-Blissett of Sacramento, Daughters Deandra Blissett of L.A., Kelsey Blissett-Lowe(Charlie) and Morgan Blissett of Sacramento, 9 grandchildren(with 1 on the way), 1 great-grandson, a very special aunt, Sybil Fleming of Long Beach , loving partner Mimi of Sacramento, a host of loving relatives, extended family and friends. Take your rest Dean Audwyn Blissett…”IRIE-Jah Bless”

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401