David Sheldon Dietz

David Sheldon Dietz, Sr. passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday evening, September 19, surrounded by his loving family. Born September 21, 1950, David was the son of the late Thompson Mack Dietz, III, and Anna Joyce Dendinger Dietz. Beloved husband of Carmen Leyrer Dietz for 44 years, David is survived by and wonderful father of Jennifer Dietz Connison (Brett O.), Casey Dietz Zainey (J. Christopher), and David Sheldon Dietz, Jr. (Anna Giorlando). David was affectionately known as "Pops" to his ten adoring grandchildren, Brett Owen Connison, Jr., Parker David Connison, Jack Charles Connison, Benjamin Daniel Connison, Caroline Carmen “C.C.” Zainey, Clare Ellen Zainey, Leyrer Louise Dietz, Kiernan Rose Dietz, Mack David Dietz, and Mairin Elizabeth Dietz - all who were equally the lights of his life. He is additionally survived by his devoted brothers Dr. Thompson M. Dietz IV (the late Karen), T. Lawrence Dietz (Marylyn), his doting sister Cynthia Dietz Hebert (Allen), and a large, tight-knit, extended family - all of whom are included in his very best memories.

David was a lifelong resident of New Orleans who loved to reminisce about his idyllic childhood on Richmond Place with the 64 children on his street whom he could list by name. He had many thrilling tales from his years at Holy Name of Jesus School and Jesuit High School. He was proud to complete his collegiate and post-graduate years, earning his MBA from Loyola University.

David met Carmen, the love of his life, working at the Lykes Corporation. His work in the oil and gas industry took them on many adventures, including living in the Middle East for a time. David spent over 25 years in the recruiting business using his wonderful way with words at MSI, International.

David was the life of every party due to his zest for life and endless joy. He lit up every room with his beautiful, persistent smile. David never met a stranger and had an uncanny ability to make whoever was in front of him feel exceptionally important. He loved laughing and traveling with his wife and family - especially annual beach trips and a multitude of happy times in the mountains of North Carolina. David loved scuba diving, adventures fishing, hunting, and boating with his best friends. He loved driving, shopping for, talking about, buying, and selling motorcycles and classic British cars. His greatest joy in his last years was anything that included his children and grandchildren - especially reminding them how magnificent they all were in his eyes. He would encourage everyone who loved him to live their lives to the fullest because it simply goes by too quickly.

David, Carmen, and the family were comforted in his final days by the love and devotion of the Sister Servants of Mary and the entire team from Guardian Angels Hospice. Special thanks for the unmatched kindness and attention from Dr. Stephen Kantrow. The family would also like to express their gratitude for the exceptional care from Arianne Freeman, who made the absolute best of every day - along with all of David’s wonderful caregivers.

Visitation will be held at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 6367 St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans, on Friday, September 29, from 10:30 am until Noon with a Funeral Mass at Noon. A private family graveside service will follow at St. Joseph Abbey in St. Benedict, LA.

In the way of contributions or donations in David’s memory, please consider Sister Servants of Mary, 5001 Perlita St., New Orleans, LA 70122, or the Team Gleason Foundation, 2021 Lakeshore Dr. Suite 120, New Orleans, LA 70122.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LeitzEaganFuneralHome.com for the Dietz family.