Mr. David Dean was born in Hudson, N.Y., where his father, Ward, was employed by Lone Star Cement. When the plant closed, the family moved to Bethlehem. Dave was 13 years of age. Soon his father was hired by National Cement and later Lone Star in Nazareth.

Dave recalls, “I graduated from Liberty High School in 1972. My first job was at the Bethlehem Steel Corp., working at the blast furnaces. The job was dangerous, but I worked with good people from all over the area.”

His cement career started at the Lone Star as a laborer, later working in the laboratory and quarry.

“One day in 1994 I went to work at Lone Star and left work as an Essroc employee in the same day,” he said. “Essroc had purchased the plant.

“I continued to work in the laboratory and then in the quarry, where my lab experience was valuable in understanding the quality of work we mined.”

His chemistry training enabled Dave to become a quality control supervisor. Presently, he is a supervisor at Plant 3, the old Lone Star plant, which houses five clinker grinding mills.

“Our mills turn clinker into quality cement,” Mr. Dean said. “We operate three shifts, each manned by two millers, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The team consists of 13 men. Our senior miller is Bill Lambert, who embodies the spirit of a cement worker. He has missed only one day of work in 40 years. Both Mr. Lambert and another plant employee, Chris Fatzinger, have shared their years of cement knowledge with me.”

With pride, David said, “Plant 3 is an asset to Essroc. Our team works hard to keep the mills operating safely and produce a good product. Every day is a challenge, a new adventure. I attempt to treat my coworkers with respect, treating them like I would want to be treated.”

Mr. Dean has been married to the former Karen Schefeller for 31 years. They are proud of children David Jr., Brittany and Phillip and grandchildren Nicole, Noah, Nolan and Austin.

Dave enjoys fishing and played softball in a Bethlehem league until age 55.

They reside in Danielsville.

Dave is a humble gentleman with a positive philosophy, a dedicated cement worker and an excellent employee.

I wish much success to Mr. Dean and all my friends at Essroc, where I hope to return again next year to honor another dedicated cement worker.