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.