George E. Dietrich

George E. Dietrich, Jr. ‘Diek’, of Monaca, passed away Sunday afternoon, June 8, 2014.Born in Monaca on January 15, 1921, he was a son of the late George E. Dietrich, Sr. and Elizabeth Mundy Dietrich. George retired in 1985 as co-owner of Dietrich’s Plumbing and Heating business which was started by his father in 1901. A 1939 graduate of Monaca High School, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1942, was wounded in World War II in Peleliu and received the Purple Heart, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and the President’s Unit Citation. George was a dedicated member of Monaca Volunteer Fire Department #1 for 50 years and served as president, assistant chief (1961-1974) and chief (1976-1992), and president of Monaca #1 Relief Association. He was active in the community and was a member of the Mayor’s Advisory Board, the Monaca Sesquicentennial Committee, the former Monaca Chamber of Commerce and the Monaca Borough Council (1957-1974), serving as president for two years. He was a charter member and a 2007 inductee of the Monaca Hall of Fame, the Beaver Valley Demolay, Rochester Masonic Lodge #229, Eureka Lodge #167, the Beaver Valley Commandery #84, the New Castle Consistory and the Syria Temple. George was also a member of the American Legion Post 580, Monaca Turners, Beaver County Fire Chief’s Association, Western Pennsylvania Firemen’s Association, Plumbers and Steamfitters Local #47, past member of the National Plumbing and Heating Association, an original member of the Beaver County Safety Committee, and a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church of Monaca. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Betty Davis Dietrich, the love of his life; a sister, Katherine Bennett, and a brother, John Dietrich.Surviving are his children, Carol (John) Ripper, Kenneth (Susan) Dietrich and Nancy (Dave) Miladin; five grandchildren, Krista (Ty) Durst, Milo Miladin, Michelle (Brian) Daniels, Michael (Lisa) Ripper and George Dietrich; two great-grandchildren David Miladin and Ky Durst.George was a hardworking, generous man who was always devoted to his family. He served his hometown unselfishly and always believed Monaca was a special place.Friends will be received Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9. p.m. and Thursday from 10 to 10:30 a.m. in the Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Monaca. His pastor, Rev. Beth Wierman, will officiate. Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park where full military honors will be provided by the Beaver County Special Unit at 12 noon.Members of the Monaca #1 V.F.D. will conduct a service Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the funeral home.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 1301 Indiana Avenue, Monaca, PA 15061.To share online condolences, get directions and other information, please visit simpsonfuneralhome.com.