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Jerry Dietz, a proud U.S. Marine, longtime Clare Rose employee, and one of Bayport-Blue Point High School’s standout athletes, died on June 1 in Boca Raton, Florida. He was 92.
Raised in Bayport, Dietz graduated in 1950 from Bayport-Blue Point High School, where he was named Best Male Athlete of his class. After high school, he served as a sergeant in the U.S. Marines during the Korean War — a chapter of his life that seemingly shaped his character and his devotion to service.
For decades, Dietz worked at Clare Rose, delivering and selling the company’s beverages across Long Island. He also dedicated many years as a volunteer firefighter with the Bayport Fire Department.
His family remembers him as a man with an easy smile, a love for his community, and a deep devotion to his family.
Dietz’s daughter-in-law Julia Steeg Dietz wrote on Facebook: “RIP to the legend, the original Jerry Dietz. There was never another man like him. What a life. Hope he’s having a Guinness and fries with the boys somewhere. See ya on the beach.”
Dietz is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Linda; his children Jack (and his wife Joanne) of West Sayville, Jerry (and his wife Julia) of Maryland, and Cindy Jo and Matthew of Florida; as well as nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter, Linda Dietz Smith.
Military honors will be rendered in honor of Dietz at his interment at Arlington National Cemetery on Friday, Sept. 19, at noon.
Top photos: Raynor & D’Andrea Funeral Homes and Facebook.
