Ralph W. Dietrich, 79, of Blandon, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday December 16, 2020, at his residence.

He was the husband of the late Phyllis L. (Powers) Dietrich.  They were married for 52 years.

Born in his parent's home near Kutztown, Pa on May 17, 1941 he was the eldest son to late John T. and Verna S. (Knittle) Dietrich.  Ralph attended Fleetwood Area High School.

Ralph enlisted in the Navy in June 1959 and discharged June 1963.  He served on the USS Littlehales out of Norfolk, VA and had various ports of call including in the Caribbean.  He achieved the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class in Personnel Services.  He was awarded the Navy Good Conduct medal.

After the Navy, Ralph helped his father at John T. Dietrich Commercial Refrigeration and earned his Commercial Driver's License. Ralph then went to work as a bus driver for Carl R. Bieber, Inc.  There he specialized in multi-day tours and was the long-time dedicated bus driver for the Boyertown Bears Legion baseball team.  Ralph retired from Bieber in 1996.

Ralph was a dedicated man that took care of his family when they were in need, especially to his daughter Selina and his wife Phyllis before their passing.   He had various hobbies in his lifetime include Golf, Bowling, Stamp/Coin collecting, and Poker.  Ralph was a professional bowler for some time in the late 60's and early 70's and in his lifetime he had three hole-in-ones in golf.

Survived by Children: (Ret.) Army Colonel Michael S. Dietrich, husband of Barbara Dietrich, of Oley, David W. Dietrich, husband of Selena Dietrich, of Gilbertsville, and Robin K. Dietrich, of Blandon. Preceded in death by his daughter Selina A. Dietrich.

Grandchildren: Casey, Matthew, Nathanial, and Rhiannon; also, many Nieces, and Nephews.

Other survivors include Siblings John E. Dietrich, of Hamburg, Richard A. Dietrich, of Orlando, FL; Linda L. (Dietrich) Schmeer, of Reading, and Kenneth R. Dietrich, of Seattle WA.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, December 23 from 10AM – Noon at Mae Stump Funeral Home, Inc., 117 West Main Street, Fleetwood, PA followed by funeral services at Noon.  Burial will be at the Berks Memorial Gardens.

Contributions in Ralph's memory can be made to American Heart Association.