Robert Dietze

ROBERT DIETZE MERRITT ISLAND Robert J. Dietze (Major, USAF, Retired) passed away Monday, December 26, 2005 at home in Merritt Island, surrounded by his family, and under the care of Hospice. He was born February 25, 1932 and grew up in Verona, N.J., graduating from Gettys burg College, in Pennsylvania. His parents, Leonard and Olga Dietze predeceased him. Rob retired after 23 years in the United States Air Force, serving primarily in the Stratrgic Air Command as an Aircraft Commander in the KC-97 and KC-135 air refueling aircraft, including assingements in Thailand during the Vietnam War. After retiring from the Air Force, he opted for a second career of 20 years in manage ment with ABC Fine Wines and Liquors of Florida, follow ing this second retirement with travel in Europe, China and Alaska. In the past few years, his avid hobby was surf-fishing up and down the florida coast. Rob is survived by his lov ing wife, Pat; his daughter, Robyn Whitmore (husband Gary) of Port St John; his son, Robert J. Dietze II (Wife Lisa) of North Hollywood, CA; grandson, Chris Whitmore of Port St John; Cousin, Thomas Gunzelman (Wife Jan) of Portsmouth RI; and Cousin, Janet Gunzelman of Provi dence RI. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, December 29, 2005 in the Beckman-Williamson Funeral Home Viera, corner of Murrell Road and Village Drive. Interment to be held at 2 p.m. Friday, December 30, 2005 at Florida National Cem etery, Bushnell Florida with Full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of St Francis, 1250-B Grumman Place, Titusville, Fl 32780. Beckman-Williamson Funeral Homes and Cremato ry, Viera location, is in charge of arrangements.