Robert "Bob" Dietz
July 22, 1944 - May 03, 2024
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Robert "Bob" Dietz
July 22, 1944 - May 03, 2024
Obituary
Robert D. “Bob” Dietz, 79, of Daugherty Twp passed away Friday May 3, 2024, in his residence.
Born July 22,1944 in Rochester, Pa, he was the son of the late Joseph F. and Mabel A. (Seaburn) Dietz. Bob was a graduate of New Brighton High School Class of 62.
Upon graduation he went to work for the Pittsburgh Tube Co. working in the water treatment facility, retiring in 1996 after 32 years of service.
He proudly served his community in various positions including coaching stints with the NB Little Lions football program and NB Bantam Basketball. Bob was the scorekeeper for the NB Men’s Varsity Basketball team during the glory years of the ‘90s. He was a former firefighter with the Daugherty Twp VFD and a frequent volunteer at Grove Cemetery.
A member and trustee of the New Brighton Eagles for over 30 years, he was the driving force behind the infamous “Kitchen Crew” that served countless banquets, weddings, graduations, and community events such as team feeds for the youth and high school sports teams. Those steaks, eagle beans and buffets were world famous!
Bob was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan and had a passion for the game of softball where he held the titles of Beaver County Men’s Commissioner and ASA District 9 Deputy Commissioner working alongside the great Guy DeMaio. They helped transform what tournament softball is all about here in our region. He played on various local teams including Babe’s Bar, The Hideout, Joey’s, NB Eagles, JJ’s Lounge, Suburban Lounge, Scoreboard Lounge and Corbin’s to name a few. His Blatz teams in the ‘70s and ‘80s were a dynasty loaded with local talent. His teams set the standard for the way the game was to be played and resulted in multiple championships and a runner up finish in the ASA Class A open division. He was also a player/coach for the Pittsburgh Hardhats, who played in the American Professional Slow Pitch League. Bob is by far the winningest coach in Beaver County Men’s Softball history.
His favorite hobbies were tending to his pool (which included an ever-standing open door policy), riding his John Deere tractor, listening to Pink Floyd, attending his grandkids sporting events, vacationing on Hilton Head Island and fondueing with the family.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters Judith Anderson and Louise Hartsuff. Brothers William Hartsuff, Hiram Hartsuff, William Dietz, Roger Dietz, Joseph Dietz. Uncles Paul, Mike Dietz and his parents-in-law E. Benton and Helen Early
Bob is survived by his loving wife Sandra (Early) Dietz, with whom he would have shared a 60th wedding anniversary on October 3, 2024. His children Rob (Sue) Dietz of New Brighton, PA, Tracy (Matt) Peterson of East Palestine, OH, and Mike (Beth) Dietz of Portersville, PA.
11 Grandchildren Matt (Tiaira) Dietz, Chelsea (Puff) Razo, Drew (Lindsey) Dietz, Lindsey (Ethan) Brown, Ashley Peterson, Zach (Marissa) Peterson, Meghan, Briana, Rachel, Abigail and Ryan Dietz.
8 Great Grandchildren Gianni Dietz, Twins Ava & Aza, Auni and Ledger Razo, Skylar and Hadley Peterson, Bryson Brown
He is also survived by his twin brother and partner in crime Paul D. Dietz. Sisters-in-law Sue Hansen, Toni (Don) Tustin, Terri McNaughton and Colleen (Ron) Fabritius, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Per Bob’s wishes there will be no visitation. Interment will be private. The family would like to extend an invitation to attend a celebration of his life on Sunday July 21, 2024, from 2-6pm at the Oak Hill Vets Association located at 1 Laurel Ave New Brighton, PA 15066
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bob’s name may be made to Grove Cemetery 1750 Valley Ave PO Box 46 New Brighton, PA 15066. Online condolences may be shared at Gabauerfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
In closing… Bob was our hero. He instilled the values that remain with us today. How to be kind, compassionate and caring towards people. To respect the things that you have and always offer help to others. His door was always open, and he would share countless stories and advice about life in general. He was the kindest man we knew. Rest easy dear Father. We Love You!
The GABAUER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 1133 Penn Ave., New Brighton, was honored to provide care and guidance to Bob’s family during this difficult time.
Celebration of Life
- Date & Time: July 21, 2024 (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
- Venue: Oak Hill Vets Association
- Location: 1 Laurel Avenue New Brighton, PA 15066 - (Get Directions)
Grove Cemetery
- Address: 1750 Valley Ave. P.O. Box 46 New Brighton, PA 15066
5 responses to Robert "Bob" Dietz
Joy Lynn says:
May 7, 2024
Ever since I heard the news I have been thinking about school days and how good it was to see you both at the reunion. Loss is so hard and I pray for comfort and peace in this time of your loss. I have twin granddaughters and the bond they share makes me think of Paul and I am so sorry for your loss. All I can do is pray.
Bridget (smith) Lazear says:
May 7, 2024
My sincere condolences. Your Dad lived a very full, fun, and rewarding life. Even now, as he sits comfortably with God poolside, he’s smiling with thoughts about the wonderful families he has created and sharing many memories with friends and family there too. Hug, Bridget
Colleen {Early} Fabritius says:
May 8, 2024
You were a Wonderful Brother in law. I will Love You & Miss You Forever.
RIP Bob 🙏❤️😥❤️😢❤️🙏
Lynn Firestone says:
May 9, 2024
Sandy and family,
Our prayers are with you and your family at this sad and difficult time. We love you and hope you will find peace and comfort from the many hundreds of prayers which are being offered up for your family. Bob will be so missed by so many. I am so happy to have gotten to know him better through the beautiful tribute you gave him in his obituary.
Love, your cousins, Lynn, Tracy, and Scotti
Mike McBride says:
May 12, 2024
My heartfelt condolences to all of you. Too many memories to count growing up with Mike and hanging out at the house. My love to all.