Margate on Friday after becoming ill on Wednesday. The 50-year-old has been described as a beloved son, brother, brother-in-law, nephew, uncle, cousin and dear friend.
A statement from the family goes on to say: "As we still struggle to come to terms with this devastating news, funeral arrangements will be announced in due course. "It ends by quoting the words of T'Pau's 1987 song 'I will be with you'.
On his twitter profile, Dean describes himself as a lover of 80s music and a big fan of Carol Decker - the lead singer of the band.
Latest figures show a rise in the number of people in hospital with Covid in Kent. 168 patients were being treated in the county on Wednesday, which is 20 more than the previous week. .