The life of Dean Martin’s son, Dean Paul Martin, was tragically cut short on March 21, 1987, at the young age of 35. Born Dino Paul Crocetti Jr., Dean Paul was the fifth of Dean’s eight children, following in his famous father’s footsteps from a young age.
Dean Paul formed a pop group called Dino, Desi, and Billy at the age of 13, with Desi Arnaz Jr. and Billy Hinsche, landing on the Billboard U.S. charts in 1965 with their hits “I’m a Fool” and “Not the Lovin’ Kind.” He also pursued a successful acting career, earning a Golden Globe nomination for his role in the 1979 film “Players” and starring in the NBC series “Misfits of Science” from 1985 to 1986.
Beyond his music and acting endeavors, Dean Paul was also an accomplished tennis player and a skilled pilot. He obtained his pilot’s license at 16 and joined the California Air National Guard in 1980, serving as a captain in the 196th Tactical Fighter Squadron until his untimely death.
Tragically, on March 21, 1987, Dean Paul was flying an F-4 jet on a training mission in California when the aircraft crashed, resulting in the deaths of Dean Paul and his weapons systems officer, Captain Ramon Ortiz. Reports indicated that the crash may have been caused by Dean Paul experiencing vertigo in a snowstorm and failing to hear commands to avoid the mountain.
Dean Paul was interred at the Los Angeles National Cemetery, leaving behind a legacy that included marriages to actress Olivia Hussey and Olympian Dorothy Hamill, as well as his son Alexander Martin. His father, Dean Martin, struggled with the loss of his son, with Dean’s daughter Deana Martin sharing that it was a devastating time for the family.
In the aftermath of Dean Paul’s death, Dean Martin’s final years were marked by deep sadness, as he never fully recovered from the loss of his son. Despite his public persona, Dean Martin carried a broken heart until his death in 1995, leaving behind a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and the hearts of those who knew him.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.