John Dietrich

John was born on August 1, 1959, in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania to Carole Dietrich (nee Schwartz) and the late William John Dietrich.  During his childhood, John was baptized and grew up as a member of the West Mayfield Community Church.  He graduated from Blackhawk High School in 1979 where he was the school's videographer for all of their school events. John enlisted in the US Army and was stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX  in December 1982 and served his country until 1988.  While serving in the Army, he received several commendations: the Army Service Ribbon, Rifle M16-Sharpshooter, Drivers Badge, Army Good Conduct Medal and the Army Achievement (1st OLC). After his time in the military, John worked as a meat cutter in several different states with his last meat cutter position at Luke AFB Commissary.

On June 28, 1986, he married Roxane Anderson of Tenants Harbor, Maine. Together, they raised their daughter, Megan.  He always enjoyed spending time with family and friends. When he wasn't working, he loved to host and cook for others. He also enjoyed dancing, trying new restaurants and spending quality time with his beloved granddaughter, Camden. John and Roxane liked traveling together visiting different states from Maine to California, even vacationing in Bermuda once. John was also an avid volunteer throughout his lifetime. He was proud to be a volunteer firefighter in Winter Harbor, Maine as well as a member of the Masons. He also volunteered his time to cook for the military family support center staff and their families at Luke AFB.  He loved cheering for his home team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, watching King of Queens along with every Rocky movie including Creed, listening to rock 'n roll music and he always enjoyed laughing at a good joke.

John would always tell Roxane, "Do what you want to do and enjoy life"!  It's a message we are sure he would want to share with all of those who knew him.

John is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Roxane Dietrich (nee Anderson), mother Carole Dietrich, daughter Megan Wotton, granddaughter Camden Wotton, brother Ronald Dietrich, nephew, Mark Dietrich and his children Jayce and Lilly, Cousin Linda Howell along with many other extended family members and friends.

The family would like to say a special thank you to those who cared for him at Hospice of the Valley in Surprise, AZ and Abrazo West Hospital.

A memorial service along with a special Military Honors presentation will take place on Tuesday, April 25 from 5-9PM at Thompson Funeral Chapel 9265 S Litchfield Rd in Goodyear, AZ.  Pennsylvania services will be held on June 3 at the Christian Assembly Church, 814 Lincoln Place in Beaver Falls, PA. Visitation hours will be held from 11-12PM followed by a memorial service from 12-1PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to CurePSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy) at www.psp.org