Longtime U.S. Maritime advocate and Seafarers International Union Vice President Dean Edward Corgey, 73, of Houston, Texas, unexpectedly died May 29, 2026.
Born in Houston on November 6, 1952, Dean came from a family with deep waterfront and labor roots and built a life that reflected both. He met the world with energy, grit, and an appetite for action, whether on the water, in the labor movement, at the port, or out on the land he loved.
“I met Dean Corgey later in life after hearing so many positive stories, and found him to be fascinating and personable. His love and dedication to the Seafarers International Union, the industry, and music were admirable. He will be truly missed by many people,” American Maritime Officer National President Willie Barrere said.
A graduate of Milby High School, Dean began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1973. He sailed as a chief engineer for G&H Towing Company before coming ashore in 1979 to work in Houston as an organizer for the SIU. He later served as a patrolman, Houston port agent, assistant vice president, and ultimately vice president of the Seafarers International Union, responsible for SIU activities across the Gulf Coast Region, from Charleston, South Carolina, to Brownsville, Texas.
Dean represented thousands of working mariners and devoted his career to wages, benefits, training, safety, and the dignity of maritime labor. He also served as a vice president of the Texas AFL-CIO, secretary-treasurer of the West Gulf Ports Council of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department, and on the executive board of the Harris County AFL-CIO. His work reflected a lifelong belief that working people deserved a voice, a fair chance, and institutions strong enough to protect both.
“He was the definition of a union professional. Through hard work and determination, he rose through the ranks of the SIU to become vice president of the Gulf Coast, earning the respect of everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him,” said SIU President David Heindel, who knew Corgey for five decades. “I extend my deepest sympathies to Dean’s family and loved ones. His passing is also a tremendous loss for our organization and the maritime community he served so faithfully. Dean will be remembered, and he will be deeply missed.”
Dean also served Houston with distinction as a commissioner of the Port of Houston Authority. During twelve years on the Port Commission, he brought practical waterfront experience, a working mariner’s perspective, and a deep respect for the people whose labor powers one of the nation’s great ports. He believed Houston’s success depended on strong workers, responsible industry, sound public institutions, and good-faith cooperation.
Dean was married to Angela Corgey, and theirs was a deeply loving marriage. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, colleague, and leader; a man of loyalty, courage, conviction, humor, useful work, and full-hearted living.
Services will be held Friday, June 5, 2026, at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home & Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale St., Houston, TX 77023. Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by a funeral service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM and burial at 3:00 PM.