Albert J. Dietrich

Albert Dietrich, 85, of Toms River, loving husband and father of four children, peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, February 10, 2021. Albert was born on December 26, 1935 in Newark, NJ. Albert served four years in the Air Force receiving the American Spirit of Honor for Leadership. During this time, Albert met his beautiful wife, Peggy. After serving, Al attended Seton Hall University where he received his Master’s in Education. Al and Peg’s love grew as they welcomed their four children, Danny, Debbie, Darren and Dougie. Albert went on to teach English at Toms River Intermediate East. His passion for education grew when Al became the Superintendent of the Toms River School District. His hard work and dedication to the school district lead him to many accomplishments. Among those many, Al was awarded with Toms River Man of the Year twice, was the president of the TREA, started the first drug and alcohol program that awarded him with national honors by President Reagan. Al also founded the Alternate Learning Center in 1979. Among his many accomplishments, Al also was a representative of the Toms River Planning Board Committee and lifetime member of the National Republican Party.

Through his many years in the Toms River School district Al made many friends, including his dear friend, Mike Wherry. Al and Mike accompanied by their wives Peg and Doris enjoyed traveling together. Their many adventures lead them to wonderful places including the farmhouse in Pennsylvania and Sarasota, Florida. Their friendship continued with weekly Saturday night hangouts over lots of laughs and memories.

Al had many passions in life. He had a love for the theatre in which he starred in many off-broadway productions in and around the tri-state area. Al was also a member of the Screen Actors Guild – AFTRA. Al loved to sing for his loved ones especially to his wife, Peg. His favorite song being “All In The Game”. Al’s smile, kind heart and contagious laughter will always be remembered and dearly missed.

Al is survived by his wife Peggy of 62 years, his four children; Danny and his wife Patty, Debbie and her husband Al, Darren and Dougie and his wife Joyce. Al is also survived by his grandchildren; Alex and his wife Amanda, Haylee, Kyle, John and his wife Vanessa, Corey, Jimmy, Joey, Jackie, Travis, Noelle, Amanda and great grandson Luke and the family dog, his pal, Chrissy. Al is also survived by his sister Peggy Kerr and many nephews and nieces. Al is predeceased by his parents Al and Peg.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 4pm – 8pm at Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main Street, Toms River, NJ 08753. A mass will be held on Saturday, 10:30am at St. Joseph’s Church followed by a committal at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Toms River. To send an on line condolence please visit www.andersonandcampbell.com.