Dean Plaia

Frank Dean Plaia, 84, died peacefully on December 6, 2022, at Spartanburg Regional Hospice House in Spartanburg, SC.

Born December 15, 1937, in Panama City, Panama, he was the son of the late James and Mary O’Neil Plaia. He attended Cranwell Preparatory School in Lenox, Massachusetts, and graduated from Fordham University in New York City with a degree in Latin American Studies.

He enjoyed a career in advertising, working for top Madison Avenue agencies in New York City. He was the first marketing manager for People magazine, associate media director for Henderson Advertising in Greenville, SC, and media director for Mike Sloan Advertising in Miami, Florida. In his later career, he was a graphic artist for firms in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dean was known for his sharp wit and intellect. A lifelong fan of Broadway, he was proud of his decades-long collection of Playbills. An avid little theater actor, Dean appeared in many New York, Florida, Asheville, Greenville, and Spartanburg productions. After retirement, he enjoyed cooking and painting.

Dean is survived by his partner of 42 years, Boyce L. “Biff” Bomar, sons Dean and Gregory (Marianne) Plaia, daughter Jennifer Carberry, and predeceased by his daughter Lee Ann Plaia.

His remains will be interred next to his brother, James Plaia, Jr., in Corazel Cemetery, Panama City, Panama.