Former Shakey’s Owner and San Angelo Business Leader John Dean Dies at 87

SAN ANGELO, TX – John Dean, former owner of San Angelo’s Shakey’s Pizza Parlor and a business and community leader, died on Feb. 22 at the age of 87, according to an obituary published by Harper Funeral Home and Crematory.

Dean, an Oklahoma native, moved to San Angelo in 1969 after accepting a partnership in Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, a decision that, according to his obituary, “changed the course of John’s life as he knew it.” He transformed the restaurant into a city staple, setting a high standard for customer service and hard work. Employees recalled that he was “never too prideful for any job,” whether mopping floors or bussing tables.

Beyond his business success, Dean was deeply committed to education and the San Angelo community. He provided tuition assistance for employees and worked alongside San Angelo ISD and the San Angelo Police Department to help launch the city’s first DARE program. He also encouraged local students by offering game tokens for good grades on their report cards.

Dean’s influence extended beyond Shakey’s. He served on the San Angelo City Council, the San Angelo Symphony Board, and the San Angelo Restaurant Association. In 1975, he helped establish the Taste of San Angelo, an event that remains a local tradition. He was also elected president and board member of the Shakey’s Franchise Association multiple times.

In addition to his role at Shakey’s, Dean was involved in several other business ventures, often as a silent partner. His last business, Qwik Cash, began as a part-time retirement project in 1999 but grew into a successful operation for two decades before closing at the end of 2019. John retired at the age of 82. 

Dean is survived by his wife of 27 years, Melissa Dean; his children, Jennifer Hammack and Ryan Owens; and six grandchildren. A rosary service will be held at Holy Angels Catholic Church on Feb. 27 at 10 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass. The family will hold a private burial.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Association, or a charity of choice.

You can find the obituary by clicking here.