Charles Dietrich

Charles Wm. Dietrich
March 27, 2008

Charles Wm. Dietrich, born October 1, 1920, passed away March 27, 2008 in the VAMC in Syracuse after a short illness. Charles was born in Barker, NY. His parents were Elmer Dietrich and Viletta (Rhodes) Dietrich. Charles graduated from Barker Central Schools. He then worked for Norton Lab and J.F. White Engineering before enlisting in the Army Air Corp on September 20, 1942. He attended aircraft mechanic school at Seymour Johnson Field, NC and was sent to Rome AFB. From there he served in North Africa and Italy. After the European war ended he returned to the US and married Lucille Margaret Emm of Liverpool, NY on June 9, 1945. They were married for 62 years. They first lived in Eastwood until moving to Cicero in 1952. After his wedding he was sent to Spokane AFB and then back to Wright Patterson AFB where he was discharged on November 20, 1945. In October of 1947 he joined the NY Air National Guard as an original member of the 174th Tactical Fighter Wing. He was a member of the Boys from Syracuse and was deployed to France during the Berlin Crisis in 1961. In 1968 during the Pueblo crisis, he was commander in Syracuse while the unit went to Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico. He was also one of the first five Air Technicians and retired as such. While a member of the 174th Charles was Chief of Supply and services, assistant to the United States Property and Fiscal Officer and Commander of the Supply Squadron. He was promoted up through the ranks to a Warrant Officer and received a direct commission as Captain in June 1957. He was then promoted to Major on September 16, 1961. He retired in March, 1976 with the rank of Lt. Colonel. Charles was also past president of the 174th Alumni Association, president of Hancock Field Rifle & Pistol Club, a hunter safety instructor, president of the Maple Bay Anglers Club and president of the Hancock Field Federal Credit Union. He was recently a member of the New York State Militia, National Guard Association, DAV, the American Legion and Retired Officer Association.

Charles is survived by his wife, Lucille, daughters; Suzanne (William) Bradley, a retired German teacher in North Syracuse, Barbara Mort, a teacher's assistant in Liverpool, a son; Charles Jr., a general contractor, from North Syracuse, grandchildren, Kellie (Thomas) McPoyle and Kristin (Joseph) Howell, Erik and Kyle Mort, Charles Dietrich III and Alexandra Dietrich and Steve Moore, five great-grandchildren; Thomas, Meghan and Victoria McPoyle and Madeline and Jillian Howell, four sisters; Evelyn Riley of Rochester, Gertrude Beckwith of Barker, Vera Fiedler of Lockport and Lynda Higley of Florida and a brother, Burton of Middleport. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending summers in Canada with family and friends.

Services will be Tuesday at 10 AM at New Comer Funeral Home, North Syracuse. Burial will follow in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Monday from 4-8 PM at the funeral home, 705 N. Main Street.

For those desiring the family suggests memorial contributions to Golisano Children's Hospital, c/o University Hospital, 750 E Adams Street, Syracuse, New York 13210.