James August Dietrich

James A. Dietrich, 86, passed away Saturday, July 1, 2023.

Jim was born in East Cleveland on January 31, 1937, to Emil & Catherine Dietrich and was a lifelong Akron area resident. He graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1955 and went on to work for 60 years in the grocery business, working for A&P, Kollman's IGA, Darrow's Family Foods, and West Point Market. Jim enjoyed volunteering for Summit County MetroParks, where he would dress as the leaf and chipmunk mascots for various park events. He was a longtime member of Annunciation Parish, participating in the Knights of Columbus, the Holy Name Society, and serving as a church usher. Jim enjoyed spending time outdoors, walking and bike riding. He loved his wife, children, and grandchildren more than anything. Jim was known for his smile, quick wit, and sense of humor. This quality continued right up until his last moments.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and sister Mary Dudek. He is survived by his wife of nearly 64 years Mary; children Mary Kay (Bob) Walsh, Bob (Vicki), and Anita (Michael) Osburn; grandchildren Robert Dietrich, Brendan Walsh, Alisha (Cam) Phelps, Alanna (Tyler) Reed, Libby Osburn, and Sarah Osburn; soon-to-be great-granddaughter Baby Girl Reed; brothers-in-law Thomas Dudek, & Nick (Carmel), Leonard, Thomas (Mary) Codispoti; sister-in-law Carol Scalf; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 2PM on Saturday, July 8 at the Anthony Funeral Home, McGowan-Reid & Santos Chapel, 247 Stow Ave (at 3rd St, one block north of Portage Trail) in Cuyahoga Falls, where the family will receive friends beginning at 1PM. Interment at Holy Cross at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Summit County MetroPark Foundation (  https://foundation.summitmetroparks.org/donate-today).