Philip Robert Diefenbach

Phil was born in Buffalo, New York on January 18, 1933 to the late Norman and Katherine Schmidt Diefenbach. His siblings; Jean Lee Sawdoo (d. 1989), Christian (d. 2001), Norman (d. 2010) also preceded him in death.

Phil is survived by wife, Susan, five children Hans, Gretchen Howell (Pat), Susan Smith (Kevin), Victoria Ahrens (Daniel) and Keith Forsman (Madoka); 5 grandchildren Mark Diefenbach, Pamela Raymond (Zach), Meagan Ahrens, Elizabeth Gray (Nate) and Christian Howell; and 4 great grandchildren Liam, Lucas and Logan Gray, and Riley Raymond.

Phil was a Chemical Engineer and Manager at Dunlop Tire for over 25 years. He was an avid sailor, and a lifelong member at the Buffalo Canoe Club in Ridgeway, Ontario Canada. His happiest days were surrounded by family and friends at the family lake home in Bay Beach Ontario Canada. Phil proudly served his country in the Navy, serving as a medic while stationed in Guantanamo Bay. Phil was a graduate of the Nichols School of Buffalo and the University of Buffalo. Phil travelled extensively for work and pleasure. He especially enjoyed racing cars to Ayers Rock in Australia, serving as his company’s liaison to Japan. He and his beloved wife Sue enjoyed annual tours through Muskoka, New England and visiting children and grandchildren across the country. He was especially proud of his children and grandchildren and their families. He was an active member of Parkside Lutheran Church in Buffalo for over 40 years, and met his wife Susan there.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Phil’s honor to Aveanna Hospice (Franklin, TN) or Parkside Lutheran Church (Buffalo, New York)