Michael O. Dietz, Anglican deacon
Michael O. Dietz, 60, of Bridgeville, died peacefully with his daughter, family and friends by his side Friday, July 22, 2011, at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Md. He was born July 26, 1950, in Baltimore, Md., son of the late Stuart C. Dietz, Sr. and Sofia (Tutin) Dietz.
Mr. Dietz grew up in Anne Arundel County, Md., graduating from Severna Park High School, Severna Park, Md. in 1968 and Dundalk Community College, Baltimore County. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and was assigned to the USS Vulcan. His civilian career spanned several government agencies specializing in contractual writing.
Mr. Dietz was elected exalted ruler of the Seaford Elks Lodge 2458 where he also served in multiple officer positions; he was ordained a deacon in the Anglican Church; he was a member of the American Legion, Sons of the American Legion, the St. Andrew’s Society; and NARFE, Chapter 1992 of Western Sussex County, where he was serving as acting treasurer. He served on the board of directors of the Robert Burns Society of Annapolis and was the former secretary of the police commissioner of Bridgeville. Mr. Dietz enjoyed antiquing, animals, traveling across the world, and most of all proudly telling the world about the two most important people in his life, his daughter Christine and life partner Charles.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Dietz was preceded in death by his life partner of 36 years, Charles R. Singman; and his sister, Margaret “Peggy” E. Chaney. He is survived by his daughter, Christine Dietz (DeCiancio) Thayer of Baltimore; parents-in-law: Thomas and Loretta Singman of Ocean City, Md.; two brothers: Stuart “Buddy” Dietz Jr. and wife Beverly of Jacksonville, Fla. and Wayne Dietz and wife Nancy of Green Cove Springs, Fla.; two sisters: Susan Reimer and husband Robert of Orange Park, Fla. and Nancy Carpenter and husband Jimmy of Jacksonville, Fla.; numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, and dear friends; dog Stinkie; cat Paws; and grand-dog Logan.
A Celebration of Mr. Dietz’s Life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 30, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Hardesty Chapel, 202 Laws Street, Bridgeville, where friends may call beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary of Sussex County, PO Box 430, Nassau, DE 19969 or to the American Diabetes Association, 100 West 10th Street, Suite 1002, Wilmington, DE 19801.
