Harold J. “Pete” Dietrich, 104, of Mennonite Home, formerly of Woodcrest Villa and Mountville, died Friday, October 21, 2022. He was married to Dorothy “Dot” Greenawalt Dietrich, to whom he had been married for 72 years before his death in January 2015. Pete was born in East Petersburg, the son of the late Charles and Ada Dietrich. He graduated from East Hempfield High School and Lancaster Business College and was a member of Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ where he served on the Presbytery for many years and served as President for two terms.
In February 1941, he was enlisted as a soldier in the army for one year. In December, the year became five years. He was discharged as a 2nd Lt. Bomber on a B-24 in February 1946. Remaining in the Air Force Reserves, retiring as a Major in 1962. After retiring from service active, he worked for Armstrong Cork Co. in the general office of the building products division on Liberty Street, for 37 years.
In the spring of 1954, with the help of the Mountville VFW, he organized and led the first youth baseball team in Mountville. He led teams for the next 20 years. In 1962, his midget-midget team won the first New Era tournament for Mountville. Pete was also a member of the Mountville VFW, Reese-Hall Post #8757.
Pete’s main interest was sports. Early in his life he played baseball and basketball. He attended many Baltimore Colts, Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies games. He and his wife played pinochle and traveled a lot, Myrtle Beach being their favourite. He loved downhill skiing, which he continued until he was 60 years old.
He is survived by two sons: Timothy Dietrich, Mountville and Richard “Tom” Dietrich, companion of Lori VanHorne, Mount Joy. Three grandchildren: Michelle, Valérie and Lisa. Five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a grandson, Chris and a sister Sarah Gaus.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Mennonite Home for the compassion and care shown to their father.
Funeral service will be held at Workman Funeral Homes, Inc., 114 West Main Street, Mountville on Monday, October 31, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Mountville Brethren Cemetery with full military honours. Friends can call for a visit from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to: Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ, 450 West Main Street, Mountville, PA 17554. To send a condolence online, visit: workmanfuneralhomes.com