Fred Dietz
September 7, 1924 - January 17, 2016
Resident of Walnut Creek, CA, Fred Dietz, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, greatgrandfather, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on January 17, 2016 at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, CA of a brain aneurism. He was 91 years old. Estelle Andrews, his adoring wife and partner in adventure for forty years, was by his side as he received loving and compassionate care from the John Muir Comfort Care team, and final blessings from his devoted friend, the Reverend Sumner Walters.
Born George Frederick Dietz, Fred was a man of many skills, talents, and varied interests. He had an amazing intellect, intense curiosity about all things, wicked wit, mischievous twinkle in his eye, and unerring sense of style. He was an avid golfer with “the sweetest swing you ever saw;” fearless white-water kayaker on the rapids of West Virginia with dear friend, Dr. Norm Wright; intense duplicate bridge player; lover of good jazz, theater, films, concerts; and voracious reader, among his favorites, The New Yorker and all things E.B. White. He loved the light of San Francisco, and with Estelle, visits to New York City during the holidays, and cruising to all ports of call.
Trained as a mechanical engineer at The Pennsylvania State University, Fred became the consummate problem solver, innovator, go-to-guy, and manager in manufacturing-engineering environments at General Electric, US Steel, Master-Halco, and Barry & Company Consultants.
Fred also had degrees from General Electric’s Professional Business Management Program, where he also served as guest lecturer. He had done graduate work at the University of Pittsburgh, and was certified in Professional Inventory Management (CPIM) by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). After retiring from GE, Fred consulted with clients such as Phelps Dodge, Northrup Aircraft, Southern Pacific Railroad, Xerox, Price-Pfister, and Cherokee Fashions.
Community involvement included: Chairman of the Board of Park Commissioners; Senior Church Warden; scouting leader; President of a community little theater; and PTA president, among others. He also served on the board of directors of local Chapter 128 of SIRS where he also edited their monthly newsletter and played bridge twice weekly. During his twelve years in Rossmoor, a retirement community in Walnut Creek, CA, Fred was active in the Men’s Golf Club, serving on their board, and in the duplicate bridge club.
Fred was born and raised in Lock Haven, PA. He was predeceased by his parents, Florence Groff Dietz and George Frederick Dietz, and his brother, James P. Dietz. He is survived by his wife, Estelle Andrews; brother, Roger L. Dietz (Rosalie); children, John, George (Amy), Barb, and Margie; grandchildren, Muriel (Nate), Gretchen, Josh (Becky), Julia (Tom), and Burke; great grandson, Jack; and many nieces and nephews.
Celebration of Life Services will be held for Fred in State College, PA, and Walnut Creek (Rossmoor), CA later in the year.