Click here to subscribe today or Login.
March 6, 2011
Ronald C. Dietrich, 96, of West Pittston, passed away at his home Sunday morning, March 6, 2011. His wife, Helen Clifford, and he would have celebrated their 77th anniversary on April 6, 2011.
Born in Exeter, on April 3, 1914, a son of the late William H. and Bertha Leffler Dietrich, Ron graduated from Exeter High School in 1931. He was manager of Bonser’s Service Station, West Pittston, and for almost 30 years, was employed as an agent with the Prudential Insurance Co.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge No. 499, Keystone Consistory, Irem Temple, and a founder of the Stewards Unit. Ron served his community as a volunteer with the West Pittston Fire Department No. 1, holding many offices including President and Fire Chief. He retired after 13 years as Civil Defense Director, serving during the Agnes Flood.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Willard; sisters, Travilla and Bertha; step-mother, Theresa Leffler Carey; step-sister, Evangeline White Fine; and step-brothers, David and William Carey.
Surviving sibling is his sister, Evelyn Brown, and her sons, Henry, Don, Fred, and Jim, of Flemington, N.J.
He will be deeply missed by his wife; son, Ronald P. and wife, Nancy, Fairfax, Va., and Falls; daughter Sandra D. Burchardt and husband, Hans, Clarks Summit and Tucson, Ariz.; son Paul C. and wife, Sheryl, York; grandchildren, Edward D. Wicks, Duvall, Wash., Lynnly Wicks Nealon, Redmond, Wash., Ronald D. and Shawn Hughes, Fairfax, Va., and Daniel A. and Jill D. Gilden, York; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; as well as several nieces and nephews, including Jay Parini and Dorrie Parini LaFerriere.
Golf was his favorite sport; however spending time with his family and dogs came first.
His warm smile and endless support will always be cherished.
Memorial service will be held at noon Saturday at the first United Methodist Church, 408 Wyoming Ave., West Pittston. The Rev. Janet Tiebert will be officiating. Friends may call from 11 a.m. until the church service at noon.
A special thank-you goes to Traditional Health & Hospice Care.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the First United Methodist Church; West Pittston Fire Department; Shriners Children’s Hospital; or the S.P.C.A.
Arrangements are by the Howell-Lussi Funeral Home, West Pittston.