Neal O. Dietrich, 77, Sheet Metal Worker

He was born June 21, 1924 in Lorain and had lived here his entire life.

He attended Lorain High School. He served as a technician fourth grade in the ordnance detachment in the U.S. Army during World War II, receiving the Meritorious Unit Award, European African Mediterranean Service Medal, and the Victory Medal.

He worked for Luxury Heating Co. in Elyria as a sheet metal worker for over 33 years retiring in the late 1980's. Prior to that, he worked as a heavy machine operator for Falbo Consturction Co., inside the Lorain steel plant.

He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign War Post 451 of Lorain, and the Sheet Metal Workers International Association Local 33. He was a devoted family man and enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was an outdoorsman, and enjoyed camping.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Noram (nee Thompson), 2 sons, Jim and Robert both of Lorain, 2 daughters, Karen Delgado of Elyria and Pat Kutyba of Lorain, 10 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren, a sister, Betty Jean Gerhart of Elyria.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Lena (nee Cushman) Dietrich, and a brother, Albert James Dietrich in 1941.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 1, 2001 from 2-4 an d7-9 p.m. in the Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Ave., Lorain where funeral services will be Friday, November 2, 2001 at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Bill Kopas, associate pastor of Camden Baptist Church, Wellington will officiate. Burial will follow in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Twp.

Contributions can be made if desired to Fellowship Baptist Church, 5046 Broadway, Lorain, OH 44052 or to the charity of the donors' choice.