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Robert Dietz Obituary
Robert William "Ducky" Dietz was born in Detroit on February 4, 1934, the sixth out of seven siblings. He died on May 3, 2020 at age 86 after contracting the coronavirus but was suffering with bone cancer and Alzheimer's at the time of his death—not that he ever lost his quick wit or the twinkle in his eye. He is survived by Carol, his wife of 18 years, his daughter Evanne "Nonny" Dietz (Dan Williams), stepchildren Nikki Lorenz, Leif (Patti) Lorenz and Danielle Lozon, and granddaughter Nadia, as well as two of his sisters, Loann (Donald d.) Less and Patricia Terry, as well as many beloved nephews and nieces. He is predeceased by sister Juan (Donald d.) Brennan and brothers Norman, Jr. (Donna d.), Charles and Gary, and parents Norman, Sr. and Winifred.
Ducky attended Denby High School in Detroit, had a brief but successful professional boxing career in the light heavyweight division (26-5-0, with 22 knockouts), and worked as a millwright at Ford Motor Company at the Sterling plant for 38 years, until he retired in 2003. While Ducky was proud of his boxing career, he was even prouder of the decades he spent coaching boxers at the Cannon Recreation Center.
Ducky was quick with his fists in the ring, especially a powerful left hook, but he was even quicker with a smile or a joke or a helping hand. Ducky was gregarious, loud, loving and generous. He would beat you at pool but then buy you a drink. If you grew up on the east side of Detroit in 1950 or later, you probably have a Ducky Dietz story, or wish you did. Ducky could not walk down the street or through Eastland Mall or in most bars without someone greeting him and he would always have a smile, a handshake, a good wish for them. Ducky will be terribly missed by his family and many friends.
Unfortunately due to safety concerns related to Covid-19, there will be no service scheduled at this time.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Dietz
Mike T.
February 8, 2025
Ducky worked with me at Cannon Recreation late 1970´s through early 80´s and taught me how to fight/box and become tougher. He was a great man / a man´s-man and will be greatly missed. Mike T.
Arthur Eder
January 20, 2024
I just found out that ROBERT has passed. I only knew him from school at Demby. I also found that his brother Gary has passed, I knew Gary from Wayne elementary, he was the FONZ in my class. My Condolence to the Family
John Hickey
May 8, 2021
Hello name's John Hickey. Am very sorry to hear that Ducky passed away.I would like to offer my condolences to his family. Ducky used to train me to box sixty years ago at Cannon Recreation in the basement at Finney High School in Detroit's east side.
Nancy Costello
April 5, 2021
My sympathies to Nonny, Leif and Nikki.
Carol (Nierzwick) Naudi
July 20, 2020
Ducky was a very generous and kind hearted man. He taught my brothers how to box. We spent many hours at the cannon recreation center.
Tim Lahr
May 29, 2020
toughest guy Ive ever known with the heart that knew now limits !!! I worked with ducky a lot in my career and will really miss him !!
Richard Gargano
May 13, 2020
I remember Ducky had a 1954 Yellow Ford Convertible and would stop at Jupiter Drive Inn on Gratiot Avenue. Ducky was the only person who ever wore silk suites to high school. He was so cool in the 50's I will never forget him.
MaryCatherineBraczyk
May 7, 2020
deepest sympathies on the loss of a Robert and a boxer. family member of the Former Kronk Gym but Grandaughter to John A. Kronk late. MCBraczyk Michigan Telephone Pioneers.
Mary Braczyk
May 7, 2020
Deepest t sympathies on the loss of a Detroit Boxer unknown to me except for the one of my brothers Robert and the well known Kronk Gym. That Covid19... is as deadly as the one of my fathers back in 1918 known as the swine flu my deepest sympathies on the loss for them. mcbraczyk michigan telephone pioneers
Don
May 7, 2020
Duckey was my first trainer back in the 70,s. He was in my corner for 30 of my amateur fights. He will be missed.
Joel Casey
May 6, 2020
I was a supervisor at Cannon Recreation Center for 12 years. Ducky was a good friend and great boxing instructor/mentor for his students. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Samuel Whatley
May 5, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Ralph mabry
May 5, 2020
Great guy will be missed.
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