Our most profound sympathies to Gerry's family.  We have known him for over 40 yrs & he was our dearest friend.  So much fun to be around, always helpful to everyone he met, & a great photographer.  He was our son's godfather, & also so welcoming to our grandson whenever we visited.  He will be missed very, very much, but we find comfort in the fact that he will be entering heaven in glorious fashion to the waiting arms of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Gerry was a long time friend, always there to help and offer support.  He was always there for my mom as a young neighbor boy and all through the years  until her death.  He taught many life lessons and walked in Our Lord's shoes as an example of how to live a good life.  The world is a much better place because he walked here.  May he now rest in peace...

My first memories of Gerald probably date back to the mid-1950's when our pre-adolescent "band of brothers" was beginning to form in North Olmsted. We would ride our bikes from one parents' house to another in reckless fashion (standing on the seat, sitting on the handlebar and peddling backward) and yelling at each other in big voices that were prone to break into squeaks during this period of physical and mental transition. Most pals older brothers ignored us or told us to make ourselves scarce. My older brother referred to myself, Gerald's younger brother Dick, and our pal Joe as the "greasy trio!" We, in retrospect, looked and acted rediculous. Gerald, however, was always welcoming and kind. He must have been able to see thru the Clearasil, the pompadours, the pointy toed shoes and leather jackets and pegged pants to the souls beneath the shielding. Over the years I would meet Gerald as part and parcel of my life-long friendship with Dick and his bride Jeri. Christenings, weddings, and funerals would find Gerald and him camera recording our lives. 
At his age of 72 or 73, the last time I had a real conversation with him, he was entirely the gentle, thoughtful, and kind soul I had always known. He was more concerned with me than with the recent loss of his wife. But then again, that was Gerald.
There is no need to ask our God to accept this man-he had a guaranteed fast pass to the Table of our Father from the moment he was born. I will, however, ask him to pray for his loving brother Dick and his wife Jeri, Ken, and all of us that knew, loved, and respected him and are not yet with him for Eternity.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

My deepest sympathy to the family of Gerald Dietrich. May God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this difficult time. 
I'm sorry I didn't get to meet Mr Dietrich, I was his case worker when he was admitted to Manor Care. 
His brother, Dick was so very helpful in providing all the information that was needed. It was a pleasure to help Mr Dietrich and his family. 
Sincerely submitted,

I remember my brother Gerald as a "Class Act" -- always sharing, always giving of himself to others.  He was a protector when I was small in grade school; a fun person when we were older; and, most of all, a friend when I needed one.  I will remember him for the love and caring he had for his wife and all of his family and friends.

Uncle Gerry will be missed. It wasn't until I was older that I came to fully appreciate his subtle, and sometimes not-so-subtle, sense of humor. I enjoyed just hanging out with him when I'd come to town, listening to his stories, looking at pictures or remembering my Grandma and Grampa together. 

I wish he could show me one more time that Cleveland skyline shot he had taken, not for the incredible print, but to see the smile and pride in his eyes when he recalled shooting it.

He was so very generous and kind ... there's no doubt where he is right now.

My brother Gerry was an inspiration to all he met.  He gave of his time generiously and enjoyed the opportunity to provide photo memories to his family, friends, and clients. He was more then a brother, he was an example of a kind, loving and caring individual. I will miss him dearly, but know now he is with the Lord and his wife Kay and our Mom and Dad. 
Love to you Gerry and pray for us and God bless us all.

Gerry was very special to me.  He took beautiful pictures at our wedding, April 28, 1974.  He helped me create a unique picture tableau when my Mother died in August of 2010.  I tried to visit and pray with him regularly at the Manor nursing home.  Gerry, you were an important part of my life.  Thank you forever and may you finally rest with your loved ones in heaven.

Dear Dietrich family, friends, and KofC brothers:
I am very sorry to hear about the death of a very close friend and KofC brother.  I first met Gerry at a KofC event and he made me feel comfortable taking pictures at KofC events.  Gerry was the photographer for the KofC North Olmsted Council 4731.  I like photography, so we worked together for the KofC.  I helped him with digital pictures and his computer.  I understand he took wedding pictures at St. Brendan's and pictures of St. Brendan's Church as it was being constructed.  When his wife, Katherine, passed away, I was a pallbearer.  I became very close to his brother, Richard.  When Gerry went to a nursing home, I visited him regularly and kept him updated about KofC functions.  I gave him “Keep Christ in Christmas” magnets which I put on his bed post.  After he had a stroke, all I could do when I visited Gerry was to say a prayer with him.  He would blink his eyes and smile.  He is now in Heaven with Katherine, praying for me, friends and fellow KofC brothers.

OBITUARY

Gerald J. Dietrich

March 3, 1936 – February 10, 2014

Corrigan Craciun Funeral Home

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