My heart breaks to learn that Tina passed away. We were friends in the junior high years in Jackson, NJ. Our common Italian-American heritage was an instant bond between us. When Tina moved away and was briefly staying with family in New York, I called her while visiting my grandmother in the Bronx because it was a “local call.” We talked forever and it was so hard to hang up because we figured we’d never see each other again. Fast forward many decades and I received a friend request from Tina on Facebook! I was thrilled and so thankful to be able to catch up again. We discovered we also shared a breast cancer history and that became another bond. I was glad to see Tina doing well over the years that followed, taking joy in her garden and her family, and most especially her new grandson. May wonderful memories of Tina be a comfort to her family. I know she will be missed.

always seemed like they had always known each other, and Tina was most welcoming of Miriam to our family.
Tina loved not only her family, but her friends as well, and would do anything for them! If Tina thought enough of you to be your friend, that meant that you were someone really special!
Tina was the perfect amalgamation of our mother and father. She was very feisty, full of conviction, and passionate about the things that mattered to her. Personally, I think these were some of Tina’s finer qualities more people should possess.
In closing, I’m sure Tina is in heaven now, playing Scopa with Mom and Dad and all our Sicilian relatives. And if I know Tina, she took a Phase 10 card deck with her and is kicking their tails at that now, too!
Tina, rest in peace, and know you will always be a hero and an undisputed champion to us!

like she didn’t like me. Our mother used to make her take me out to play with her and her friends. She understandably resented me. Wouldn’t you?
Tina went away to the University of Maine in Orono in 1970. I was 10. Man, was that house quiet without her! She came home for Thanksgiving that year and surprised me with the biggest hug. I was shocked! Who was this? Had aliens taken over my sister’s body? Tina always treated me differently after that, and we got along very well. My hero was my hero again. It was only recently that I realized that is why to this day, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.
Tina was in possession of the well-instilled Ciavola work ethic, and it served her well in life as well as during a lengthy career with IBM. She often spoke with disdain about the demands and stress of the job. BUT - IBM is where Tina met Jim, the love of her life. I liked 
you the first time I met you, Jim. I knew you were a good man. A brother couldn’t hope for a better man for his sister than you. As time has shown, needless to say, you exceeded expectations. Tina and Jim were like-minded and were the epitome of a happy couple. Tina and Jim were like peas and carrots, and together 33 years. That’s a DARN good run.
Tina was blessed with two wonderful children, John Peter and Jessica Lynn. She could not have been prouder of the two fine adults you both turned out to be! Being a loving and demanding parent has its rewards. John and Jessica are the proof. YOU are your mother’s legacy!
Tina was very, very happy that you both found someone to share your lives with, in Jacquelyn and Ian, respectively. I know Tina’s desire that you both find wonderful lifelong partners was paramount to her; that dream has been thoroughly fulfilled.
Her love for her grandson Paxton is something else. I had never seen Tina so gaga about anything or anyone. To say she was “Over the moon” about Paxton is an understatement.
Tina was very fond of her Hermanita, Miriam-the sister she never had. It

A Eulogy for Tina Karen (Ciavola) Dietz
From my earliest recollection, my sister Tina was always there, and had a major influence on my life. An early hero in my life. As a younger person living under the same strict regime, I looked up to her, even though I didn’t always understand what she was going through. As she moved through her teen years she wanted less and less to do with me.
But big sister Tina always looked out for me. That’s the way she was. I remember her pulling a bully off me once who was pummeling me. Always wanting to direct or instruct me, my first math lessons were from Tina, when I was preschool age. I was kinda getting the addition part, but basic subtraction? OFFF. What a taskmaster. She took that even further in life with her own children, earning the nickname “The Grammer Nazi”.
As a high school student growing up in Miane, Tina had a daily routine: Come home, walk down the long hallway to her room, and shut the door, generally ignoring me in the process. From then into the evening, Hendrix, Cream, and The Doors were seemingly always blasting from her stereo. Tina used to make colorful hippy beads and dress the part as much as our parents would let her. It might also have been where my love of rock and roll and minor rebellion were planted. Tina was always a positive influence on others!
Around the time I was 9 or so, our parents were out running errands, and Tina was tasked with watching me. We got into a heated argument about something I’m sure was trivial. I was so infuriated that I threw a Pop Tart at her. She ducked, it missed, hit the wall behind her, and shattered into dozens of pieces. It was a mess. I asked Tina to help me clean it up, and she replied, “You threw it, you clean it up!” Lesson learned. As a side note, I’m also sure Mom and Dad found fossilized Pop Tart behind the bookcase when we moved the next year.
Tina was essentially 8 years older than me, and as you might imagine, we had little in common as kids. I always felt

I remember when Tina and I were eight years old, Aunt Jeanie and Uncle Peter came down to visit us for Christmas. That night we were supposed to be sleeping, but we were so excited to see each other that we were jumping up and down on the bed.

That Christmas Tina got a Felix the Cat clock and ever since whenever we saw a picture of that clock, we thought of that wonderful Christmas. 

My wife Marlen remembers Tina as very kind and sweet. They always talked about the wonderful parents she had.  Marlen loved Aunt Breanyand Uncle Peter as well.

Marlen always saw the faces of Aunt Beany and Uncle Peter in Tina’s smiling face.

Tina is free of pain and suffering and now she is with her family enjoying the Garden of God.

Love,
Marlen and Lloyd

OBITUARY

Tina Karen Dietz

October 15, 1952 – May 17, 2024

Blount & Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders