Harold J. Dietrich, enjoyed serving others
Harold J. Dietrich, 75, of Millsboro passed away suddenly, Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, in Lewes.
Harold "Hal" was born October 1945 in Hackensack, N.J. He was the son of the late Charles P. and Eleanor (Fiore) Dietrich. He grew up in Oradell, N.J. Upon graduation from River Dell High School in River Edge, N.J., he joined the Navy to voluntarily enlist in the Vietnam War and served during the Tet Offensive. He was honorably discharged from Quonset Point Naval Air Station in Rhode Island in 1969.
Hal was employed as a typesetter before transitioning to property management for L.J. Gonzer in Newark, N.J. The Dietrich Family spent 23 plus years in Lake Hiawatha, N.J., where Hal joined the Volunteer Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire Department District 5. Later moving to a new home in Bound Brook, N.J., which included a two-car garage for his beloved Honda Goldwing motorcycle. Hal then embarked on a new chapter in politics starting with the redevelopment plan after Hurricane Floyd, as well as the board of education and as town councilman. He was extremely proud of these accomplishments and he earned the respect of all who knew him.
After 18 years, yearning for a change, Hal and Sue pulled up roots and crossed the bridge to reside in Millsboro, where the beach and low taxes gave the happy couple more freedom. He continued to work part time at Lowes, a job he transitioned to from Hilllsborough, N.J. Hal being Hal continued to serve others with his dedication to the American Legion Post 63 and VFW Mason Dixon Post 7234, both in which he quickly rose to become commander. He thoroughly enjoyed being commander of Post 7234 which included his own special parking space overlooking Indian River Bay.
Hal was a lifetime member of the Allendale Rod & Gun Club, a club Sue's father; John Boyle, was instrumental in luring him and Uncle Don into. Again, attaining the position of president for many years. The NYS property was his and his daughter’s "happy place" and he enjoyed just "watching the grass grow" and riding his quad.
Hal was a huge New York Giants fan, "crazy" about Willie Nelson, Garth and Luciano Pavarotti. His Honda Goldwing was a mid-life purchase that he and Sue spent many wonderful times with friends cruising the East Coast searching for the best ice cream. He loved to torture his children with the sounds of cousin Brucey’s Doo Wop Shop Radio on the daily. He thoroughly enjoyed his wife’s cooking, Thrasher’s Fries, the beach, the woods and his quad.
Hal is survived by his wife of 53 years, Susan (Boyle); and two daughters, Diane M. DelGrosso and her husband Christopher DelGrosso, and Jenna L. Dietrich; sister, Donna Dohm; brother, Peter Lake; along with cousin Hal Fiore, and many in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.
Always one to give of himself, Hal was a Gift of Life Donor. The family wishes to gratefully thank the Millsboro Fire Company/EMT for the valiant efforts on his behalf.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to: (in Hal’s honor) the Millsboro Fire Company/EMS, P.O. Box 83, Millsboro, DE 19966, Quilts of Valor, P.O. Box 191, Winterfest, IA 50273; checks should be made out to Quilts of Valor. Make note of the donation being a memorial for Hal and add account #13840.
There will be a Celebration of Life starting noon, Saturday, Nov. 6, at VFW Post 7234, 29265 Marshy Hope Way, Ocean View, DE 19970.
If you would like to attend, please RSVP to daytona6d@optonline.net
