Robert F. Dietrich

Dietrich, Robert F., 81, of Adams Township, went home to be with the Lord on October 30, at Windber Medical Center, Palliative Care Unit. Born on December 14, 1929, in Windber. Bob was the son of Koser and Anna (Williams) Dietrich. He is preceded in death by his parents; a son, Bruce G. Dietrich; and his brother, Koser. On September 30, 1950, he married Dorothy J. Stutzman and they have celebrated 61 years of marriage. Bob graduated from Windber High School, Class of 1948. He attended trade school in Kansas City, Missouri. Bob was employed as a master mechanic/machinist/welder at Hoffman IH Farm Implements Co., Flood City Brass and Electric and later retired from Galliker Dairy Co. where he was employed as the Maintenance Supervisor for seventeen years. He also owned Dietrich Machine Shop where he worked until shortly before his death. He was always busy in his shop and never hesitated to assist anyone in need. If it was broken, he could fix it. He was a member and former Trustee at Bethel United Methodist Church, Salix, PA.In younger days, Bob was an avid hunter and fisherman. He especially enjoyed traveling with his wife, Dorothy. Together they visited all forty-nine continental states. He will be remembered for his witty one liners and trademark sense of humor that could bring a smile to everyone’s face.  Bob’s passion and dedication to his family and friends was unrivaled.
In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by son, R. James married to the former Joyce E. Diehl, Brookville, PA; daughter, Janice L. wife of Frank J. Brown, Garrettsville, OH; grandchildren: Amy wife of Jason Bonnar, Beaver, PA; Robert C. married to the former Emily A. Boyle, Williamsport, PA; Kayla J. and Kyle J. Brown both of Garrettsville, OH; great grandchildren: Bethany K. and Jameson R. Bonnar and R. Jack and Simon R. Dietrich; sister-in-law, Jackie Leffler; nieces and nephews: Ralph and George Mostoller, Karen, Walter, Rebecca and Paul Leffler; Cory Thomas and Barry Eash who were like sons to him.
Friends will be received from 2:00-8:00 pm on Wednesday, November 2 and from 10:00 am until time of service at 11:00 am on Thursday, November 3 at the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland Township. The Revs. Donald Poole, Ralph Mostoller and R. James Dietrich will officiate. Interment will be at Richland Cemetery.The family suggests contributions be directed to the “Robert F. and Dorothy J. Dietrich Machining Scholarship” at the Pennsylvania College of Technology Foundation, One College Avenue, Williamsport, PA 17701 or to Windber Hospice, 600 Somerset Avenue, Windber, PA 15963 in memory of Bob. (Online condolences may be posted at www.wharrisfuneralhome.com)