Harry S. Dietz Jr. 3/1/1928 - 8-23-2008
Harry S. Dietz, Jr., 80, of 429 N. Fifth St., Columbia, died peacefully Saturday evening surrounded by his loving family at the Lancaster General Hospital.
He was the husband of Shirley Gerfin Dietz with whom he would have celebrated 58 years of marriage this October 7th.
A lifelong Columbia resident he was the son of the late Harry S. Sr. and Barcena Floyd Dietz. Known as "Sonny" or Nicky" to his family and friends, he was the owner of Dietz's Cafe in Columbia since 1950. He served his country in the United States Navy from 1946 thru 1948 aboard the U.S.S Yosemite where he served as the Chaplain Yeoman.
In his earlier years, Sonny enjoyed small game hunting and trips to Potter County. He was also an avid Green Bay Packers fan. Most of all, he loved being around the company of his family and friends.
A lifelong member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Columbia, he also belonged to the Knights of Columbus Council 2294; the Santa Maria Assembly 915; was a life member of the Seagraves Social Club, Red Rose Memorial Post 2435 VFW and the Foresters of America.
In addition to his wife are his children, Kathleen wife of William J. Foehlinger II Columbia; Mary Jane wife of Rick Bender, Columbia; Jennifer wife of Bob F. Resch, Columbia; Christine wife of Greg Huber, Lancaster; Joseph H. Dietz, Columbia and Thomas A. husband of Dawn Dietz of Columbia. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Todd M., Jason, Bill, Mark, Rachel, Ricky, Amanda, Tommy, Nicky and Paul. Great grandchildren, Alan, Michael, Rory, Molly, Nathan and Kirsten. A sister Dorothy Goodman of Columbia also survives.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held from Holy Trinity Catholic Church Fourth and Cherry Sts. Columbia PA on Thursday at 11:00AM with the Rev. Kenneth F. Lawrence, Celebrant. Final Commendation and Farewell in Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call at the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc., 519 Walnut St., Columbia, PA on Wednesday evening from 6:00PM until 8:00PM and at the church on Thursday one hour prior to the Mass. The recitation of the Rosary will be held Wednesday evening at 7:30PM. At the request of the family, kindly omit flowers. Contributions to Our Lady of The Angels Catholic School, 215 Union St., Columbia, PA 17512 or to Hospice of Lancaster County, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125 in Sonny's memory would be deeply appreciated.
Born in Dietz homestead on March 1, 1928.
