Richard Albert Dietly

Richard was born on March 6, 1943, in Erie, Pennsylvania to Richard and Dorothy Dietly. After graduating high school Richard joined the United States Air Force on February 21, 1963. It was in Cambridge, Pennsylvania that Richard met the love of his life, Alice. They were married on August 15th, 1965. The Air Force took Richard and Alice on many adventures over many continents, but it was Abilene, Texas that became home. In Abilene they raised their two sons, David and Douglas and it was also where Richard retired from the Air Force after 30 years. After his time in the Air Force, Richard worked for the Texas state correctional facility, from which he retired. In every stage of their life Richard and Alice enjoyed camping together. They visited all 48 of the continental United States in their campers and made many memories with their sons. Richard was a motorcycle enthusiast and loved riding with Alice on their Honda Goldwing. He completed a vast number of Iron Butt Association rides and even completed 1,000 miles in 24 hours in November of 2023 at the youthful age of 80 with his son David, and his grandson, Joshua. Although he lived many years in Texas, he was a dedicated Pittsburgh Steeler fan.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Dorothy Dietly, and his brothers, Kip and Dennis.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Alice, their two sons, David (Cheryl) and Douglas (Rebecca), his siblings, Bruce (Emily), Kris, and Diane (Dave). Richard is also survived by his five grandchildren Justin, Joshua (Austin Gayle), Brittany (Mark), Austin Douglas, and Savarrah, as well as seven great-grandchildren, Ryleigh, Jocelyn, Elliott, Keegan, Wyatt, Bennett, and David.

Richard leaves behind a loving family and a legacy of patriotism. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to K9s for Warriors, 114 Camp K9 Rd, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081.

Visitation will be held at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223, US, on July 12, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223, US, on July 13, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

A Committal Ceremony will be held at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218, US, on July 13, 2026, at 12:30 PM