YORKTOWN, N.Y.—In Part 2 of our Year in Review, we look back on one of the most unusual stories we've covered in a while, the life and death of Yorktown's Dean Girling, who lived off the grid but remained a part of the community,
Mountain Man Dean Mourned
A body found in the Yorktown woods revealed the remarkable life story of a man known locally as “Mountain Man Dean.”
As reported by Sophia Caselnova, 79-year-old Yorktown native Dean Girling lived off the grid in the woodlands of the Crompond-Cortlandt area for more than 30 years. He was found dead at his campsite on Dec. 29, 2023. No foul play was suspected.
Despite his unconventional lifestyle, Mountain Man Dean remained an active and familiar presence in the community.
Born in 1944 and raised in Yorktown Heights, Girling graduated from Yorktown High School in 1964, excelling in sports and art. After serving in the Marine Corps from 1964 to 1968, he returned home with a passion for history, the environment, and Yorktown’s heritage. His collection of local artifacts, including arrowheads, reflected his deep connection to the land.
Girling’s off-the-grid life began when his family home was sold, and his father and brother entered a VA hospital. Rejecting conventional housing, he chose to live in a handcrafted campsite. He built a 15-foot-tall teepee, equipped with a wood-burning stove, rainwater collection system, and elevated food storage to protect against wildlife. Girling hunted deer and turkey with a bow and arrow and lived self-sufficiently, even during harsh winters.
Though secluded, Girling was deeply involved in the community. He attended Veterans Day events, historical society meetings, church services, and lunches at the local senior center. His neat, clean-shaven appearance defied stereotypes about his lifestyle.
Girling’s life epitomized independence and devotion to his hometown. His dream of building a log cabin remained unfulfilled, but his legacy endures.
“He’s been the true boy scout for 23 years,” said Girling’s friend Robert Mulvey. “He was a Yorktown townie, and always will be.”
Dean Girling was laid to rest at Amawalk Hill Cemetery on Quaker Church Road in May.
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