David Wilson Dietz, 80, of Harding Township, passed away on Friday, Dec. 25, 2020.
He was a loving and generous man, whose arms enveloped you with a bear hug.
The core of his life was his love for his family. He found the greatest joy in being with family and friends. His easy laugh and jovial nature left everyone in his life smiling after being in his presence.
His loved ones, friends, and colleagues will always remember his playful silliness, the twinkle in his eye and his generosity. Many will especially remember his amazing cheese buffets at holiday time, introducing admiring friends and family to exotic cheeses from around the world.
Born on Feb. 19, 1940, he had a happy early childhood with summers spent in Point Pleasant Beach and Newfound Lake, N.H., vacationing with extended family.
He loved hiking in the New Hampshire mountains, picking wild blueberries along the way, and instilled his deep love for the lake in his children and grandchildren.
David loved his time at Lafayette College, where he majored in civil engineering and was president of his college fraternity, Theta Chi. He was an avid, lifelong supporter of his alma mater.
He joined AT&T after college and his love of exploring new horizons led him to a career in international telecommunications negotiating relationships in Eastern Europe as well as Austria, France and Switzerland. He met colleagues from all over the world and embraced each for his or her own merits.
After his years traveling back and forth to Europe, David and his beloved wife Jane moved to Paris, where he established the corporate office of AT&T France and served as managing director for six exciting years, before returning home to an assignment in International Public Affairs.
David and Jane’s love of adventure led them on many exciting journeys: Northern Norway in the winter darkness, the coast of Newfoundland, Labrador and Nunavik, Quebec traveling on an Inuit-owned expedition cruise. They crossed the North Atlantic from Scotland to Greenland and slept in an “igloo” in Ilulissat, Greenland. They watched Old Faithful spout on New Year’s when it was minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
David also loved exploring Southern Africa, the souks of Morocco, and the Andaman Sea. Switzerland was his most beloved country – he loved the warmth of the people, the majesty of the mountains, and its cheeses!
After retirement, David turned his energy to support Harding Township, where he served on the Planning Board for over 20 years, the Environmental Commission, the Harding Land Trust, Friends of Kemmerer Library, and the Harding Open Space Trust (HOST).
He was also a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Morris County and volunteered with great enthusiasm at Nourish NJ.
David was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church of New Vernon, where he was an elder and worked with the youth group and the chaplaincy counseling program. David and Jane maintain a membership in the American Church in Paris as well. Throughout, David made time to provide financial services support to many people.
In addition to his wife, Jane Kendall, David leaves behind his son, Peter Dietz (Mary Dell), and daughter Susan Dietz Ramquist (Neil), as well as David’s pride and joy – his two cherished grandchildren Carter and Charlie Ramquist. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Donahue, his brother, Carl Dietz and his stepbrother, John Neff; along with a cadre of nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his stepsister, Corinne Neff Pawling.
A memorial service to celebrate David’s life will be planned at a later time.
From the Observer-Tribune
Editor’s Notes:
David and his wife Jane Kendall have lived at 15 Lake Trail East since 1993. From 2000 to 2013 he was a member of the MKL Country Club Board, where he served as President and as Treasurer. He has also been a member of the Lakeshore Water Committee. David and Jane have been enthusiastic and creative Clubhouse party chairs and committee members throughout their years at the Lake.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in David’s memory can be made to nourishNJ, the American Church in Paris, or the First Presbyterian Church of New Vernon.