John W. Dietz

John William Dietz, aged 91, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026 at Kendal Longwood, Kennett Square, Pa.

John was born in Hico, West Virginia to James Ruckman and Balmy Jane Dietz. He graduated from West Virginia University and continued to Cornell University to earn his PhD in Chemical Engineering. Accepting a position at DuPont, he moved to Wilmington, Delaware where he met and married Carol Smith Dietz, his wife for over 50 years. He was a devoted father to three daughters: Laura, Elizabeth and Rebecca.

A scientist by profession, John had a passion for gardening. He created an oasis of flowers, ornamental trees, pathways, bridges, and ponds in each house owned over the years. In the 1980’s Hallmark requested to photograph his garden for their calendar. John was a docent at Mt Cuba and was always willing to share gardening insights with fellow gardeners.

John enjoyed a rich life with his wife Carol who shared his passion for gardening. They were active in the tennis community and built a lively group of friends there. Tennis took a backseat to croquet each summer when they hosted a weeklong “Wimblington” croquet tournament in the backyard. They traveled extensively to different parts of the globe, with friends or as a couple, with keen interest to explore ancient and archeological sites.

John is predeceased by his wife Carol, his brother Reginald Dietz, and his daughters Elizabeth Dietz and Laura Dietz Richard. He is survived by his daughter Rebecca Dietz, son-in-law Francis Richard (Laura), his sister-in-law Billie Kast Dietz (Reginald), his niece Barbara Jane Dietz-Jennelle (Matthew), and nephews Allan Dietz (Marsha) and John Dietz (Allison), and their children Joshua, Justin (Allan) and Ella (John).

John will be remembered for his witty retorts, quiet friendship, and generously shared knowledge.

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Funeral Services

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no funeral service. Friends and family are invited to share a memory or express condolences on this memorial wall.

Condolences

Jack Kalmar lit a candle and writes,

I'm terribly sorry to hear of John Dietz's passing. My condolences to Rebecca and the rest of the family. John and my mother, Margaret Joann Dietz Kalmar are first cousins. I've visited with John on a few instances and have been thoroughly enamored by his wit and friendliness. He will be missed, but he will be in all our hearts and memories. Thank you , John.

04/18/2026 04:21 pm

Rebecca Lynn Dietz lit a candle and writes,

Rest in peace, Dad. Thank you for the many memories: family vacations to iconic sites around the US, endless beach vacations (even though you sunburned easily, so would read on the porch while we baked on the beach), backyard volley ball, cook outs, holidays made magic (Mom might have helped with that!), packing me off to college, welcoming me home and, in the final years, delux sushi dinners when I came to visit. I "forgive" you ;) for encouraging me to touch the garden electric fence as a curious kid, and your chuckle when I got zapped. I DID ask how it felt after all! I learned so much from you over the years. I'll miss our visits and conversations. Love you always. Rebecca

04/18/2026 05:36 pm

Hedy Knoth lit a candle and writes,

My late husband Walter and I were great friends of John and Carol. We played tennis with them, participated in the annual Wimblington croquet tournament, and also traveled with them. The Kentucky Derby is coming soon, which reminds me of the annual Kentucky Derby dinner parties that John an Carol hosted at their home. The guests sipped John's signature mint juleps while watching the Derby and cheering for their favorites. Following the derby, we had dinner and then played bridge. The quality of play was usually well below par, but by the time the game was over most of us had sobered up enough to drive home safely. I could go on and on about the fun times we had, but most importantly, John and Carol were very kind and generous people. If they saw a need, they were there to help. It was very comforting to know that John and Carol would be there for me if a serious problem arose for me. Rebecca, your dad was an exceptional person, as was your mother. Please accept my deepest sympathy, Hedy

04/18/2026 09:01 pm

Barbara Jennelle lit a candle and writes,

I'm going to miss all the gardening tips and bird advice.

04/19/2026 01:54 pm

Mrs. Ann Spell writes,

So blessed with a long life, but even with all those years, I know they were not enough for those who held John so dear to their hearts. To his daughter and all his loved ones, I extend my deepest condolences. May the countless, fine memories of your beloved father forever warm your hearts and bring smiles to your faces, even behind tears shed. May you find comfort in knowing that death was never God’s plan (Gen.1:28; Rom. 5:12) and one day death will be no more (Rev.21:4) as loved ones will be resurrected (Acts 24:15) with the hope of life forever in paradise, on earth (Ps. 37:11,29) as God intended. Until then, a fine person rests in God’s loving care. Cherish the hope and the countless memories of your beloved father, John.

04/19/2026 09:38 pm

Kayko Fukunaga Distler writes,

So sorry to hear of John's passing, but what a wonderful life he led. My parents, Tadamichi and Mutsuko Fukunaga were good friends of John and Carol. I know they spent many good times together, playing tennis/croquet, traveling and tennis dinners. They made many wonderful memories. Rebecca - thank you for getting the gang together over the past couple of years. Sending you and your family our condolences.

04/21/2026 01:39 pm

Allan Dietz lit a candle and writes,

Rebecca, I was so sorry to hear about Uncle John's passing. One of the fondest memories of him and my dad Reg was in 2019 when I volunteered to drive them back down to "their old stomping grounds" for one last trip to see the ole' homestead and visit the gravesites of their parents, our grandparents, Balmy and Ruckman Dietz. We visited Fayette, Nicholas areas, Mt. Lookout, Hico, Winona, and Lookout. We drove by their boyhood home and eventually made a stop at Nutall High School. I was very fortunate in that I got to see a lot of sites connected to their childhood and hear stories that brought back a lot of memories for both of them. Stories that I had never heard before and tales that had me tears, both from laughter, and a bit of sadness knowing that this may be the last time they would be able to make this trip together. This was, to me personally, a once-in-a-lifetime trip because I was able to listen in on their recollection of the past. Uncle John shared with me at dad's funeral that they said their goodbye's knowing that this was the last time they would be together. Hearing that made volunteering to drive them and tag along for the trip all worthwhile and a lasting memory I'll always cherish of Uncle John and my dad.

04/23/2026 09:50 pm

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