Staff Sergeant Dean Christopher Haniff, 32, of Killeen, Texas, formerly of Orlando, Florida, passed away on November 9, 2021. Born in Queens, New York, he moved to Orlando when he was an infant and grew up in Orlando. He attended Arbor Ridge Elementary, Corner Lake Middle, and University High School, graduating in 2007. He attended Valencia Community College and after a year he joined the United States Army, where he was currently stationed in Fort Hood, Texas. He served his country for 12 years.
Dean was very competitive throughout his life including in sports like basketball and soccer, which he excelled in. His competitive nature never left him as he remained competitive throughout the military and in his personal life amount his family and peers. He had a great sense of humour. A real jokester! Dean was known for busting everyone’s chops with love. He had a contagious smile. He was well respected among his peers and without doubt, a great leader. Dean was a proud soldier, fiancé, and most of all, a proud father.
Dean is survived by his mother, Margarida Trim (originally from Mauritius), and her companion, Giovanni Villacis; father, Halim Haniff; sons, Landon and Lane Haniff; brothers, Mark and Nigel Haniff and fiancé, Selena Rivera. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
