John, Diane and family,  my heart is with ya’ll during this difficult time of adjusting to life without your dad.  I think he is smiling down on ya’ll because this has brought your family closer together.  I pray that your lifelong memories continue to comfort and console you. My love to you all, Char

John, JP and family,

It was an honor and priviledge to have met your Dad and Grandpa. He was a treasure.  You are in our thoughts and prayers.

The Best Man I've ever known died on Feb 12th 2011. He touched my life in a truly meaningful way, he was genuine and I will always remember my DAD because, A SON NEVER FORGETS. 
My Mother used to tell me that GOD broke the mold after your Father was born and now I believe this. He was the one & only ~ John DiPietro! 
I miss you Dad. Love Your Son John

Each of us here today were fortunate enough to know this wonderful man.  We have all experienced different days with him over his 88 years.  The man lived quite a life.  Impressive really.  I believe it is exactly what they meant by the "American Dream".  He was born of Italian immigrants with a brother and sister, raised from one proud culture in an effort to help define another.  He selflessly and proudly enlisted in the marines, not drafted, when our country was threatened, to then return home and raise 5 children with his wonderful wife, Georgia.  John again became a major part of America's backbone working at Ford Motor Company, contributing to our nation's growth.  Still, with such responsibilities, he managed to construct a beach house with the help of friends in Houghton Lake, Michigan to gain those relaxing weekends away and enjoy with his family.  After his retirement, he and his wife traveled around in their camper to later anchor down in Florida...."Living the dream", as they say.  he happily enjoyed his life with friends and family to over time, accumulate his six, well, awesome grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Throughout his time, he was so many different roles to the people he knew, but to those who have known him, we have seen the same wonderful man:  he has been a soul mate to one, father to five, a friend to many and an inspiration to some.  He has been a hobbyist, a pilot, a co-worker, a cook and even a caregiver covering the span from soldier to saint...aiding, not only his wife through her long battle with cancer, but also his mother, to only bear the same himself.  There is one more role I'd like to add to that list...and that is hero.

In 8th grade, my class was told to write down three of their hero's.  It seemed as the entire class, without hesitation leaned over to begin writing.  Hero's popped into thirteen year olds minds like cooked seeds of corn, and ranged from athletes, actors/actresses, musicians, millionaires and the presidents.  When I read my list, I got the immediate support from my peers on the first two names:  Steve Vai, a mind blowing guitar god...an easy choice, really.  Next, Steve Yzerman, the new hope and all star of the Detroit Red Wings...another no-brainer.  To the rest of the class, the third name I read was a no namer...never heard of.  I proudly read, John DiPietro as my hero.  None of my classmates knew of his feats... but I did.  Funny thing is, John DiPietro is the only of those three names that still remain on that list today.

When my mother was raising me and teaching me what it takes to be a good man, I would not have believed all that she described was possible had I not seen it for myself in this very man.  John DiPietro possessed many admirable qualities for which I will list a few and still desire many:  his selfless, humble demeanor, his even keeled approach, his respect for not just people but the world in which we live...his well of knowledge, his ability to converse with anyone, his choice of few words that seemed to wield more weight, his kind, loving heart still balanced with strength and the best damn chuckle I have ever heard. 

Those of us who knew John DiPietro well, know that he would not want us to feel burdened at this moment.  Heck, he was so humble, he would not even want to inconvenience us with this formality.  He would say, "No, stay home, you don't have to go doing that".  He would not want to take time from our day to morn his passing.  Perhaps, we could attempt the cliche' to celebrate his life.  He probably wants neither, but certainly deserves both.  

So I will say, today, do what you must:  morn his loss or celebrate his life.  For those of us that have known him, he will always be remembered as the same wonderful man.
--------------------
{as spoken by his grandson, David Rode, at his memorial service)

DIANE & FAMILY. I WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR FATHER'S PASSING. HE WAS SUCH AN INTERESTING, FASCINATING PERSON. YOU WERE SUCH A GREAT, LOVING CAREGIVER. LOVE AND PRAYERS TO YOU AND ALL FAMILY MEMBERS. I FELT PRIVILEDGED TO KNOW HIM. FORMER CNA @ HOSPICE, MARIANNE

Cousins:
I have many mixed emotions when I think of Uncle John and his significance in our family's life.  He was ever kind to my father and always took time to tell me about his relationship with my father.  Suffices to say, they were close.  

I am very pleased Donald asked us to dinner the last time Uncle John was in Michigan.  I was blessed by the opportunity to spend time and chat about many significant items.

My prayers are with the whole family as you celebrate and grieve your fathers life and death.  His will be sorely missed.
Love 
Jerry

Dear Family,
My wife and I were blessed in knowing John for a little over twenty years.He was modest,considerate,and a consumate gentleman at all times.His patience with people set a fine example of tolerance that is absent in many cases today.He will be missed but his life lives on in our memories. God Bless You John.
Roberta & Armand Trivilino

Hi Grandpa, this is JP. I am sending you this message in heaven, that you were always my best grandpa in the whole universe. It was an honor being your grandson and I hope that you are ok in heaven and that God and the rest of your family are giving you a happy life and that one day I will meet you once again at heaven's gate. My heart will always belong with you.

I was honored and privileged to know Gramps. I will remember him most for his contagious laugh, his classic phrases and genuine heart. He was truly a great man - one of a kind. I was blessed to be apart of his life.

Dear Diane, My heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow and loss.  My condolences to you, Dave and your brothers and their families.  I have fond memories of my brief time knowing your dad. 
Love,
Donna

Dear Diane, Greg, Don, John and family,
My deepest heartfelt sorrow goes out to you all.  Your Dad was, and always has been an amazing person, who always had a kind word to say. You all have the strength and support of each other to get through this difficult time.  Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all.  
Love,
Robyn

OBITUARY

John DiPietro

September 14, 1922 – February 12, 2011

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