Gilbert R. "Gil" Dietz

Gilbert R. “Gil” Dietz, age 96 of Concord Twp., passed away Monday, August 4, 2025 at The Preserve Senior Living at Mentor Ridge in Mentor. He was born on July 20, 1929 in Baytown, TX. Gil grew up in Baytown, Texas, the son of Ralph and Katy Dietz. After graduating from high school, Gil attended the University of Texas studying Chemistry. Before finishing, he enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War. During his service time in Washington DC, he met Grace Reifein, a steno in the Navy Department, at a USO Dance in 1952. A year later, they were married. Gil was honorably discharged in 1955 and they moved to Austin, Texas to finish his studies at the University of Texas, eventually receiving his chemistry degree. They had two children, Kathy and Mark. Eventually, Gil was hired as a chemist by Diamond Alkali (later Diamond Shamrock) in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, where he worked for years. He retired in 1989. His hobbies were his yard, travels and his volunteer work at the Little Red Schoolhouse in Willoughby where he worked as the resident printer showing hundreds of schoolchildren over the years how printing was done a century ago. Gil probably best loved sitting in his recliner, watching TV, and looking out the window at the beautiful woods and woodland animals in his backyard. This year, Gil and Grace celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary - every one of those years a good year! Gil was a devout Catholic his whole life and loved his Faith. Survivors include his wife of 72 years: Grace (Reifein) Dietz, children: Kathleen “Kathy” (Anthony “Bud”) Connolly and Mark (Denise) Dietz; grandchildren: Christine Connolly, Kelly (Glen) Kowalski, James Connolly, William, Andrew, Samuel and Mary Dietz; great-grandchildren: Andriana, Glen, Clark, Dean and Jillian. Preceding Gil in death are his grandson: Joseph Connolly; parents: Ralph and Catherine Dietz and brother Floyd Dietz. A private family graveside service was held at All Souls Cemetery, Chardon, OH. Arrangements entrusted to Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. Offer condolences at www.brunners.com

Gilbert R. "Gil" Dietz

July 20, 1929 - August 4, 2025