Robert E. Dietrick

Robert Edward “Bob” Dietrick, 88, passed away peacefully in his home May 24, 2016. He was born in Buffalo, New York, on December 20, 1927, to John and Ella Dietrick. Bob graduated from South Park High School in Buffalo with honors. An unfortunate illness cut short a promising baseball career and college opportunities, so Bob went to work at the Niagra National Bank, where he met the love of his life and wife of 59 years, Janet Matches. The couple married in 1952 and shortly thereafter Bob took a position with Inland Steel which brought the newlyweds to Indianapolis where they raised six children on the city’s north side. With a box-full of index cards and product specification sheets, Bob founded Robert E. Dietrick, Manufacturers’ Representative in 1969. He led that organization until his retirement in 1984. He then served as trusted advisor to Robert Dietrick Co., Inc. until his death. Utilizing his professional and customer-centered approach, the firm has expanded and currently has offices in Fishers, Columbia City and Evansville. Bob and Jan were charter members of St. Pius X Parish, where Bob shaped hundreds of young lives as C.Y.O. basketball coach. He continued and shared his love of baseball as a long-time coach and sponsor at Broad Ripple Little League (Go Red Sox!) and was a strong supporter of the Bishop Chatard High School and Purdue University baseball programs. Bob was preceded in death by his loving wife Jan, who was his partner, friend and confidant. Bob was also preceded in death by his parents and his brother John (Jack) Dietrick, and is survived by his sister, Monica Conrad, all of Buffalo. Family was important to Bob, and perhaps his greatest legacy is the loving family he and Jan built which he now leaves behind: Debra (Jim) Marten, Robert (Karen) Dietrick, Andrew (Lesa) Dietrick, Christopher (Julie) Dietrick, Janet Mary (Jamie) Huxhold and P.J. (Meg) Dietrick, all of Indianapolis. Bob also leaves a legacy of fifteen grandchildren, all of whom he loved very much and made him very proud: Jim, Bo, Blair, Drew, Wyatt, Chris, Kyle, Eddie, Annie, Evan, Hannah, Maggie, John, Katie and William. Robert Dietrick never used a computer, but his social network was vast. He didn’t own a smart phone, but he was linked into business. He preferred face-to-face, and his handshake was his promise. He did things the traditional way, the right way. Never one for the spot light, his life was full of quiet moments and behind the scene actions that set in motion events that benefitted thousands of lives. He lived his life, ran his business and raised his family with quiet confidence and grace and dignity. He will be missed by all he touched, but we are consoled by the fact that he is once again with his beloved Janet. Arrangements are entrusted to Feeney-Hornak Keystone Mortuary, 2126 E. 71st Street, Indianapolis. The family will hold a private memorial service. Arrangements under the direction of Feeney-Hornak Keystone Mortuary, Indianapolis, IN.