Gordon Frederick Dietz, 95, passed away suddenly on May 17, 2022 at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, NJ. He was last seen in the Oceanport neighborhood he enjoyed living in for 45 years riding his eldest son’s childhood bicycle the day before he passed away.
He was born on September 21, 1926 in Jersey City, NJ to the late Andrew G. and Selma (Kloenhammer) Dietz. Gordon graduated from William Dickerson High School in 1944, and went on to attend Seton Hall University located in South Orange. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and also the Korean War. After his military service, Gordon’s father who was a grocery store manager assisted Gordon in getting a job in the mailroom working for The Quaker Oats Company. Rising up through the ranks with an incredible work ethic and increasing positions over a span of a whopping 42 year career, Gordon retired in 1988 as a Regional Sales Development Manager.
In 1950 he married Patricia Jane (Pat) McCarthy who he met at a dance. He went to the dance with another friend who introduced Gordon to Pat. They danced the night away together and neither ever danced again with anyone else. She was the love of his life and their happiness lasted for over 53 years, until Pat lost her battle with cancer in 2004.
Always very near and dear to Gordon’s heart was fishing. Known as an avid fisherman, he could often be found out in his boat on the Shrewsbury River or down at the Blackberry Bay Park boat ramp with the latest catch of the day. He was known to share his catch with his many friends, family and neighbors. He was especially well known for his delicious fresh crab cakes, a permanent menu item readily shared at family and friend gatherings. He was an excellent swimmer in his younger days and an avid horseback rider. He loved being outdoors.
Over the years, he cultivated and maintained many old and new friendships with his familiar face, quick wit, funny jokes, great smile, zest for life, heart of compassion and occasional sarcasm. Gordon was an active member of the Senior Citizens Club of Oceanport where he loved playing cards twice a week and visiting Atlantic City. But most of all he loved his family.
Survivors include his three sons Douglas (Lori James) Dietz of Winnetka, IL; Thomas (Betty) Dietz of Afton, VA; and Brian (Susan) Dietz of Rockville, MD; nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Patricia (Pat) Dietz.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2022 from 1 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 2:30 pm at the Damiano Funeral Home 191 Franklin Avenue, Long Branch, NJ. Private burial service for family only will be held on Wednesday, May, 25, 2022 at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 350 Province Line Road, Wrightstown, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are to the American Cancer Society in honor of Patricia (Pat) Dietz. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by selecting the Tribute/Guestbook link above.
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